Based on Federal Register comments received regarding the FAA’s intent to decommission the entire remote communications outlet (RCO) infrastructure in the continental United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, the FAA has modified its plan. The FAA will reduce the number of radio frequencies used by Flight Service Stations (FSS) to communicate with aircraft inflight and will eliminate 670 redundant RCOs and retain 272 outlets, which will provide adequate coverage for system users.
The reduction will align RCO infrastructure with the decrease in pilot demand for inflight services. The proposal excludes frequencies designated for use in Alaska.
In February 2026, a safety risk management panel determined that all hazards associated with RCO reduction could be safely mitigated.
Visit the Flight Service website at faa.gov/flightservice for the list of frequencies to be retained and those scheduled for removal beginning in fall 2026.
Any comments or questions can be sent to: 9-AJR-FSSOG@faa.gov
