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Description
Pilots are complaining about the condition of the LockMart Flight Service system. They're torqued off by long wait times, lost flight plans, the lack of customer service, and a perception that "local expertise" is missing from weather briefings.
OK. I'm trying to figure out what's changed.
Times Have Changed
We all know that the FAA gave up operation of Flight Service Stations and turned the reins over to Corporate America. Good fiscal move on the part of the FAA? Well, they don't have to deal with all those pesky government workers, with their medical benefits and pension plans. You can't fault the FAA. They're trying to optimize their service-to-cost ratio, and--let's face it--the benefits of the FSS system are small in relation to the cost.
But is the FAA getting true value for the money they're now spending? I don't think so. Pardon my play on the cliche, as well as my butchery of the language: It's broke, so let's don't fix... |
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