FAA to Decommission Remote Communications Outlets

Last week, the FAA published a notice of final decision to decommission Remote Communications Outlets (RCOs) used by Flight Service Stations within the conterminous United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The notice describes the FAA’s plan to decommission 674 RCOs while retaining a network of 262 outlets to provide adequate flight service coverage across the country. Decommissioning will begin on September 3, 2026. 

The decision to retain 262 outlets is a departure from the FAA’s original plan to eliminate the entire network of RCOs, excluding those in Alaska. After a substantial number of public comments, including joint comments submitted by EAA, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and Vertical Aviation International (VAI), as well as the completion of additional safety risk assessments, the FAA revised its proposal. The remaining network of 262 outlets will provide coverage comparable to current levels while eliminating RCOs where there is sufficient overlap from other frequencies and those experiencing the lowest utilization.  

The FAA noted that this “revised approach reflects a balance between modernization objectives and the continued availability of essential aeronautical services.” EAA applauds the FAA’s decision to retain a sufficient network of RCOs and will continue to support heir availability until an alternative replacement which provides an equivalent level of service to airspace users is available.