Air Traffic Control Entities

There are several air traffic control entities. On this blog I would like to talk about two specific ones: Flight Service and Automated Terminal Information Service. Personally I consider Flight Service one of the most important to consider prior to any flight, mainly for General Aviation. They can offer a variety of services, but one key aspect is the weather briefings. It is vital for a pilot to gather all the necessary information regarding weather conditions before making the decision of flying or not. This becomes an excellent tool for student pilots, who may not be able to understand weather charts, so having a briefer stating all relevant conditions is helpful. 

According to the FAA (2020):
Flight Service communicates directly with pilots for pilot briefings, flight plans, inflight advisory services, search and rescue initiation, aircraft emergencies, and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). Flight Service provides services in Alaska by government personnel and by a contract service provider (Leidos) in the continental U.S. (CONUS), which includes Puerto Rico and Hawaii (p. 1).

However, not every controlling entity must be human. The Automated Terminal Information Service provides pilots with important information of the airfield conditions. Winds, temperature, pressure, runways in use, NOTAMS, closures and advisories are some of the information transmitted by controllers in an automated recording. This information is updated every hour or as needed. 

Both services give the pilot information regarding weather, so he/she can decide the best course of action. However, being able to file flight plans, talk to a briefer and initiate rescue services are unique features offered by the Flight Services stations. ATIS just gives a glimpse of the airfield's situation and that is why is it used while airborne. However, prior to a flight or even in the air, gathering information from a Flight Services station is always the best and more complete way of informing yourself.


(Forbes, 2016)

References

FAA (2020). Flight Service. Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/systemops/fs/
Forbes (2016). Air Traffic Control Reform Is Not A Lost Cause Yet. But It's A Cause In Need Of A Champion. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielreed/2018/03/29/air-traffic-control-reform-is-not-a-lost-cause-yet-but-its-a-cause-in-need-of-a-champion/#1caadace3514