Flight Service Specialists

Flight Service Specialists

Flight Service Specialists (FSS), in the United States, provide flight information services (FIS) to requesting or requiring air traffic. FSS operators are licensed professionals who primarily work at aerodromes, although some may work in area control centers. They must be validated for each specific aerodrome or air traffic control unit they operate in. Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) are also authorized to provide flight information services to airline pilots.

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of the job. FSS specialists are trained to carefully listen and interpret the precise words used by pilots, controllers, and other FSS operators. Similar to controllers, FSS operators use a push-to-talk radiotelephony system to communicate with aircraft pilots. This system has certain limitations, such as only allowing one transmission at a time on a specific frequency to avoid overlapping and garbled messages.

While local languages may sometimes be used in ATC communications, English has been established as the default language for aviation worldwide since March 5, 2008.

FSS operators working in an area control center (ACC) have dedicated positions where they provide FIS on a discreet frequency, separate from the main air traffic control frequency, similar to their counterparts at aerodromes. They require comparable equipment and a clear view of the air traffic control tower, typically found in quieter controlled aerodromes.

FSS operators have the same authority as controllers when it comes to providing instructions to aircraft taxiing or stationary within the airport, but they do not give commands to airline pilots while they are airborne or on the runway(s). For detailed information on the services provided by FSS, refer to the flight information service guidelines.