Originally Posted by
FlyerJosh
Even better is when you try to call FSS to cancel a flight plan. Flew into an uncontrolled field the other day and couldn't cancel with ATC due to WX. Landed and couldn't get them on RCO. Called FSS and couldn't get through.
We were trying to find the number for the controlling facility when ATC called the airport to see if we had crashed. Found out later that some other poor bastard was circling to get in. Arrrgh.
Josh, are you a member of AOPA? If you are, you should report your experience to them. AOPA is compiling a list of issues pilots are having with the new flight service stations. The FAA and Lockheed said they are reviewing each complaint individually.
I read an article today that said Lockheed's FSS contract promised anwering of all phone calls within 20 seconds and answering of all radio calls within 5 seconds. Obviously this has not been happening recently. I have no problem with Lockheed taking over FSS. I have no problem with them consolidating from 60 to 20 stations. I am glad to see that the FAA is saving money. But this problem with hold times is getting rediculous. How hard can it be to fix? I recommend reporting serious problems to FAA (like Josh's story about some poor guy circling for 30 minutes because they couldn't get through to cancel their flight plan).