We still need FSS

On Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:37:20 -0700, Jay Honeck
wrote:

In my experience, I'd say about one in five calls to FSS resulted in a
monotone briefing from a dead fish.

I agree. Since I'm a DUATS / ADDS guy, I only place a voice call
about one in five flights, but my experience is similar.

Jay Honeck wrote:
http://www.afss.com/field/?sp=20070306
Newly hired flight service specialists are required to have an
aviation-related degree and/or aviation experience. Being a pilot
is preferred, but is not necessary.

This is a good thing that will (eventually) result in a VERY high
quality FSS crew, IMHO. How many times in the past did you talk to a
monotone 'crat without the slightest knowledge of (or care about)
actually performing the flight he was briefing?

I don't think it matters. With the consolidation of FSS stations, the
concept mentioned at the outset of this thread about having "local
knowledge" is simply not going to happen in the future. I haven't
called a flight service station since I can't remember when. The only
reason I've called them in the last 10 years was to get a void time
clearance. Give me a line to Center and I won't even need FSS for that.

FSS is an anachronism and needs to just be shut down and the money
better spent elsewhere, IMO.

Matt

Matt Whiting wrote:
Jay Honeck wrote:
http://www.afss.com/field/?sp=20070306
Newly hired flight service specialists are required to have an
aviation-related degree and/or aviation experience. Being a
pilot is preferred, but is not necessary.

This is a good thing that will (eventually) result in a VERY high
quality FSS crew, IMHO. How many times in the past did you talk to a
monotone 'crat without the slightest knowledge of (or care about)
actually performing the flight he was briefing?

I don't think it matters. With the consolidation of FSS stations, the
concept mentioned at the outset of this thread about having "local
knowledge" is simply not going to happen in the future. I haven't
called a flight service station since I can't remember when. The only
reason I've called them in the last 10 years was to get a void time
clearance. Give me a line to Center and I won't even need FSS for
that.
FSS is an anachronism and needs to just be shut down and the money
better spent elsewhere, IMO.

Matt

Plus it is the one place that the airlines are correct in saying it is a
service that only GA uses. And they only need a small crack to stick there
foot in.

Gig 601XL Builder wrote:
Matt Whiting wrote:
Jay Honeck wrote:
http://www.afss.com/field/?sp=20070306
Newly hired flight service specialists are required to have an
aviation-related degree and/or aviation experience. Being a
pilot is preferred, but is not necessary.
This is a good thing that will (eventually) result in a VERY high
quality FSS crew, IMHO. How many times in the past did you talk to a
monotone 'crat without the slightest knowledge of (or care about)
actually performing the flight he was briefing?
I don't think it matters. With the consolidation of FSS stations, the
concept mentioned at the outset of this thread about having "local
knowledge" is simply not going to happen in the future. I haven't
called a flight service station since I can't remember when. The only
reason I've called them in the last 10 years was to get a void time
clearance. Give me a line to Center and I won't even need FSS for
that.
FSS is an anachronism and needs to just be shut down and the money
better spent elsewhere, IMO.

Matt

Plus it is the one place that the airlines are correct in saying it is a
service that only GA uses. And they only need a small crack to stick there
foot in.

Yes, good point, I wasn't even thinking of that.

FSS was a great service in the pre-internet age and served well, but all
things come to an end at some point.

Matt