1. Locating an appropriate facility and frequency: remember that distance and line-of-sight limitations are often the determining factors in successful VHF radio communications. Using the appropriate VFR navigation chart, locate the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS) or Remote Communications Outlet (RCO) by looking for nearby NAVAIDs or communication boxes based on your current location. Alternatively, check the “Flight Service Station Communication Frequencies” listed in “SECTION 4: ASSOCIATED DATA” of the applicable Chart Supplement. If in doubt, 122.2 MHz is assigned to many FSSs as a common en route simplex frequency. - NOTE: In Florida, pilots will almost always use an RCO for Gainesville, St. Petersburg, or Miami FSSs. - NOTE: Avoid using the “Info” tab under “Airports” in ForeFlight. This information is not always filtered by distance, and often provides incomplete information regarding facilities and frequencies. ![[Screenshot 2024-09-27 at 4.43.29 PM.png]] 2. Configuring radios: if the selected facility transmits and receives on the same frequency, nothing out of the ordinary will be required. If the selected facility transmits and receives on different frequencies, tune the frequency you intend to transmit on in your communication radio, and tune the frequency you intend to receive on in your navigation radio. Ensure audio for both radios are selected, and volume is set as desired. - NOTE: The letters “T” (transmit) and “R” (receive) indicate the role of the frequency in relation to the facility (not you). Absence of the “T” or “R” indicate that two way communications are possible on that frequency. Underlined NAVAID frequencies indicate no voice capability on that frequency. - NOTE: Navigation radio volume can be checked by enabling the NAVAID Morse code identifier audio. Ensure this is turned off prior to initiating contact with Flight Service. ![[Screenshot 2024-09-27 at 4.44.24 PM.png]] 3. Initiating contact with Flight Service, use the following format: - Name of the facility being called (address a FSS as “radio”) - Your full aircraft identification - Location and frequency on which you expect a reply (most FSSs handle multiple locations and frequencies) - Example: “St. Petersburg Radio, Skyhawk Four Two Two Charlie Bravo, receiving Brooksville One Two Two Point Three” 4. Once contact is established, proceed with your request (amend flight plan, update weather information, submit PIREP, etc). If a reply is not received after the initial contact attempt, try again, speaking slowly and clearly. FSS voice transmissions are often considerably quieter and more distorted than ATC transmissions. Double check the radio selection, frequency selection, and volume. If this still does not result in a reply, go back to step 1 and attempt contact on a different frequency. --- # References - [AIM 4-3-2](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_3.html#$paragraph4-3-2) - [AIM 4-2-14](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_2.html#$paragraph4-2-14) - [Aeronautical Chart User's Guide](https://aeronav.faa.gov/user_guide/cug-complete_20240905.pdf) - Chart Supplement