The US Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.9 billion contract to modernise and operate the agency's automated flight service station (AFSS) network, which provides pre-flight and in-flight weather briefings for pilots.
Lockheed has three years to fully implement the new system. The US manufacturer says the technology includes networked flight support systems "that will streamline flight planning, and allow the sharing of weather and airspace system status across the entire AFSS network". The new data systems will also integrate communications and search and rescue services within the network.
The contract, which spans five years with an option for five more, will bring the AFSS into the 21st century, says the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). The existing system is restricted by ageing equipment and early computers that have become increasingly costly to operate, says the FAA.
Under the new system, pilots are likely to lose the ability to get a walk-in briefing, AOPA says, although it concedes that less than 2% use face-to-face briefings as their primary way of getting weather information. The 58 flight service stations in all US states except Alaska will be consolidated to 20, over two years. Alaska's three flight service stations were not included in the competitive outsourcing study because of the unique nature of aviation in that state.
KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
Source: Flight International
