FAA Retires 674 Pilot Radio Outlets Nationwide
Published Date: 7/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is retiring 674 remote communication outlets (RCOs) used by pilots in the U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico starting September 3, 2026. This change affects pilots relying on these stations for weather and flight info but keeps 262 outlets active to ensure safety and service. The move modernizes aviation communication without extra costs to users.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
674 Pilot Radio Outlets Removed
The FAA will turn off 674 remote communications outlets (RCOs) used by pilots and retain 262 outlets starting September 3, 2026. If you rely on RCOs for weather briefings or flight information, some routes or areas will have fewer radio outlets available for Flight Service contact.
Emergency Radio Monitoring Shifted to ATC
The FAA states Flight Service Stations no longer monitor emergency frequencies in the conterminous U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico; emergency communications will be managed by Air Traffic Control (ATC). Pilots should expect ATC to handle emergency coordination instead of Flight Service in these areas.
FAA Estimates $4.8M Annual Savings
FAA estimates the RCO reductions will save about $4.8 million per year in maintenance, lease, and infrastructure costs, with additional avoided future capital expenses. The agency says those savings will support modernization efforts.
Alaska and Ground Outlets Not Affected
Frequencies in Alaska and Ground Communications Outlets are excluded from this decommissioning action, so RCO service in Alaska and ground outlets will remain unchanged. If you operate in Alaska, you will not see these RCO removals.
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