Why Did You Quit Using FSS?
09-16-2011, 08:29 AM
#21
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Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,568
I stopped using this service after it contracted it out. I gave it a few months and it was terrible. My wait time went out the roof and, like as been said, the total loss of local knowledge was less than ideal.
I now use DUAT (not DUATs) and I love it. The first link on the left hand side "Graphical TFR." I even was looking at it while it updated and took down a TFR at it's expiration. I like this because I can quickly and accurately see where all the TFRs are along my route of flight. I don't have to sit and listen to the briefer explain where they all are (some unknown location). If I want more info, I just click on the individual TFR and it pops up with all the info and a picture of a sectional with the TFR rings depicted on it. I can quickly log in, select only the products I want/need and can even file right there. I can also pull up airport info, approach plates, etc... For me it's all about convenience and efficiency.
I now use DUAT (not DUATs) and I love it. The first link on the left hand side "Graphical TFR." I even was looking at it while it updated and took down a TFR at it's expiration. I like this because I can quickly and accurately see where all the TFRs are along my route of flight. I don't have to sit and listen to the briefer explain where they all are (some unknown location). If I want more info, I just click on the individual TFR and it pops up with all the info and a picture of a sectional with the TFR rings depicted on it. I can quickly log in, select only the products I want/need and can even file right there. I can also pull up airport info, approach plates, etc... For me it's all about convenience and efficiency.
09-16-2011, 08:58 AM
#23
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Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,568
Originally Posted by N9373M
FSS has gotten a lot better recently. I quickly get a briefer and it is the only place to get 100% CYA'd for TFRs.
The DUAT service is an FAA sponsored free service to pilots and dispatchers and other authorized users. Users are encouraged to use the DUAT system as much as is needed and without reservation.
09-16-2011, 10:13 AM
#24
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Joined APC: Dec 2009
Position: 127.0.0.1
Posts: 2,115
Originally Posted by crewdawg
DUAT is a FAA sponsored service. Each transaction is logged and I save them for good measure. If the FAA tried to go after you for this, any lawyer worth his salt would have no problem covering you.
09-16-2011, 11:31 AM
#25
A Second Past V1
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Joined APC: Feb 2007
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Posts: 743
crewdawg,
Think of the briefing like a contract. If you choose to go on DUAT, click through, and accept everything the way it is without any further insight...it comes back to you.
We interpret and hit on the good stuff. So, say for whatever reason FSS does not mention that TFR or closed runway, but you blow through it or land on it anyhow, you have an out, versus just getting the brief for yourself online.
By the way, call WXBRIEF right now, and if you are not talking to someone in under a minute, I will be shocked. Its changed since a couple years ago, for the better.
Think of the briefing like a contract. If you choose to go on DUAT, click through, and accept everything the way it is without any further insight...it comes back to you.
We interpret and hit on the good stuff. So, say for whatever reason FSS does not mention that TFR or closed runway, but you blow through it or land on it anyhow, you have an out, versus just getting the brief for yourself online.
By the way, call WXBRIEF right now, and if you are not talking to someone in under a minute, I will be shocked. Its changed since a couple years ago, for the better.
09-16-2011, 01:31 PM
#26
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Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,568
Originally Posted by Outlaw2097
Think of the briefing like a contract. If you choose to go on DUAT, click through, and accept everything the way it is without any further insight...it comes back to you.
Originally Posted by Outlaw2097
We interpret and hit on the good stuff. So, say for whatever reason FSS does not mention that TFR or closed runway, but you blow through it or land on it anyhow, you have an out, versus just getting the brief for yourself online.
Originally Posted by Outlaw2097
By the way, call WXBRIEF right now, and if you are not talking to someone in under a minute, I will be shocked. Its changed since a couple years ago, for the better.
Just tried calling, it took (45 seconds). Then of course my phone dropped the call!
09-16-2011, 01:38 PM
#27
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Outlaw -
As suspected - this is the reason. Required information.
Btw - I was on an IFR flight plan.
This was my first time to use FSS for this type of information resource.
I just needed a NOTAM read for me. It had nothing to do with where I was going or anything else. But like I said above - your explanation explains it all.
I recently attended a FAA Safety seminar on FSS too in my local area.
They described Flight Watch too - used ONLY for inflight weather advisory.
I don't have the notes in front of me, but the speaker mentioned a contrat time that they are required to answer you within - something akin to 30 secs or such. This is MUCH better than the response I would get from the military
METRO stations (if they ever answered).
Finally Outliaw - covering VHF/UHF DF stations which use to be at most (if not all) FSSs. It was mentioned in class today that most have been decommissioned along with the FSSs. Do the contracted locations still have the compability of VHF DF steers?
USMCFLYR
jump to 4-3-5 for all the weather stuff we are required to give you with a routine radio contact. If the airmet or sigmet pertains to your altitude, we have to give it or face the consequences.
ID, location, altitude, destination, and then what you need. Otherwise, the briefer has to play 20 questions so they dont get dinged.
ID, location, altitude, destination, and then what you need. Otherwise, the briefer has to play 20 questions so they dont get dinged.
Btw - I was on an IFR flight plan.
This was my first time to use FSS for this type of information resource.
I just needed a NOTAM read for me. It had nothing to do with where I was going or anything else. But like I said above - your explanation explains it all.
I recently attended a FAA Safety seminar on FSS too in my local area.
They described Flight Watch too - used ONLY for inflight weather advisory.
I don't have the notes in front of me, but the speaker mentioned a contrat time that they are required to answer you within - something akin to 30 secs or such. This is MUCH better than the response I would get from the military
METRO stations (if they ever answered).
Finally Outliaw - covering VHF/UHF DF stations which use to be at most (if not all) FSSs. It was mentioned in class today that most have been decommissioned along with the FSSs. Do the contracted locations still have the compability of VHF DF steers?
USMCFLYR
09-17-2011, 06:03 AM
#28
A Second Past V1
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: Assumed
Posts: 743
Originally Posted by USMCFLYR
As suspected - this is the reason. Required information. Btw - I was on an IFR flight plan.
Originally Posted by USMCFLYR
covering VHF/UHF DF stations which use to be at most (if not all) FSSs. It was mentioned in class today that most have been decommissioned along with the FSSs. Do the contracted locations still have the compability of VHF DF steers?
By the way, inflight response time is about half of what you said it was, at least to make first contact. Another nice little trick, if you call up flight watch and 'forgot' they only do weather, tell them you tried calling radio and they did not pick up. Suddenly, its not just weather anymore.
09-17-2011, 06:15 AM
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by Outlaw2097
I take it odds are you filed online. If so, with those IFRs, we never see them. Otherwise we would have a history should you have filed over the phone and could grab your info that way.
Nope. DF steers are gone completely. Lost aircraft orientation comes back to VORs and ADFs, or if they are really lazy, they will tell you to squawk 7700 and then call center to see where you are flashing.
By the way, inflight response time is about half of what you said it was, at least to make first contact. Another nice little trick, if you call up flight watch and 'forgot' they only do weather, tell them you tried calling radio and they did not pick up. Suddenly, its not just weather anymore.
Nope. DF steers are gone completely. Lost aircraft orientation comes back to VORs and ADFs, or if they are really lazy, they will tell you to squawk 7700 and then call center to see where you are flashing.
By the way, inflight response time is about half of what you said it was, at least to make first contact. Another nice little trick, if you call up flight watch and 'forgot' they only do weather, tell them you tried calling radio and they did not pick up. Suddenly, its not just weather anymore.
DF - Completely gone in the lower 48 at least then. Still some up in Alaska.
They didn't mention that little 'trick' with Flight Watch
USMCFLYR
09-17-2011, 08:30 PM
#30
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Outlaw -
Good news.
Used FSS and Flight Watch on both of my legs today and had great service with each.
Response times for Flight Watch were both within 15 seconds of initial contact.
Except for both geting my callsign wrong - all went very well
Since this thread was about people NOT using FSS (and we've added in Flight Watch), I just wanted to give you and your people an internet pat on the back.
USMCFLYR
Good news.
Used FSS and Flight Watch on both of my legs today and had great service with each.
Response times for Flight Watch were both within 15 seconds of initial contact.
Except for both geting my callsign wrong - all went very well
Since this thread was about people NOT using FSS (and we've added in Flight Watch), I just wanted to give you and your people an internet pat on the back.
USMCFLYR
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