According to AOPA, pilots win because of performance standards written into the deal. In a statement, AOPA President Phil Boyer said pilots can soon look forward to phone calls being answered by a live briefer within 20 seconds, radio calls answered within five seconds and the requested information supplied within 15 seconds. Urgent PIREPs would be entered into the system within 15 seconds and routine reports updated within 30 seconds. Flight plans will take no more than three minutes to file. There’s no provision for user fees in the contract. Boyer said the contract represents a much-needed modernization of the FSS service as well as the introduction of cost savings and efficiencies to cut the burden on the taxpayer (and make those user fees even less likely). AOPA’s support of the outsourcing process put it at odds with NAATS, but Boyer said AOPA’s mandate is to protect the interests of pilots, while the union was trying to preserve jobs.
…Answers When Pilots Need Them, Says AOPA…
Key Takeaways:
- The outsourcing contract for FSS services, supported by AOPA, establishes specific performance standards to ensure pilots receive faster service, including quick response times for calls, radio, and information requests.
- The deal modernizes FSS services, aims for cost savings and efficiencies, and explicitly contains no provision for user fees.
- AOPA backed the outsourcing process to protect pilot interests through improved service and cost control, despite being at odds with union efforts to preserve jobs.
See a mistake? Contact us.
