FAA kills off dusty pilot radios nobody uses anymore
Published Date: 3/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The FAA plans to shut down many old radio communication spots called Remote Communications Outlets (RCOs) used by pilots across the U.S. because almost no one uses them anymore—most pilots now use mobile tech instead. This change will save taxpayers millions and won’t affect flight safety. If you have thoughts, send your comments by May 27, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FAA will remove 936 pilot radio outlets
The FAA intends to decommission all remaining 936 Remote Communications Outlets (RCOs) in the contiguous United States (CONUS), excluding Alaska, after a final rule is published. After decommissioning, Flight Service will no longer provide inflight advisory services in CONUS; emergency frequencies will still be monitored by Air Traffic Control Facilities. The public may submit comments by May 27, 2025.
Decommissioning aims to save taxpayer dollars
The FAA says the remaining RCO infrastructure and staffing currently costs taxpayers millions of dollars annually and intends decommissioning to reduce those costs. The agency cites a prior 2017 action that decommissioned 641 frequencies (404 RCOs and 237 VOR outlets) and estimated $2.5 million in annual maintenance cost savings from that action.
Emergency radio monitoring will continue
Even after the planned decommissioning of the 936 RCOs in CONUS, the FAA will continue to have emergency frequencies monitored through Air Traffic Control Facilities. This means emergency radio communications will still be watched by ATC after the RCOs are removed.
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