Where is the GCO frequency depicted on instrument approach procedures charts?
Where clearance delivery service is available, the GCO frequency is depicted on instrument approach procedures charts. Michael Lenz is a Program Analyst in Flight Standards' General Aviation and Commercial Division.
What is the GCO and how does it work?
The GCO gives a pilot on the ground at an uncontrolled airport a means to communicate with the IFR Air Traffic Control facility and/or the Flight Service Station. This offers an opportunity for a last minute weather-update right before departure.
What is the difference between VHF and GCO transceivers?
The VHF transceiver is very low power, 2–5 watts, which sometimes limits access. The GCO system is intended to be used only on the ground. GCO availability is noted in the text portion of the airport diagram.
How do you use a GCO?
If you have a radio, you have a phone (in a manner of speaking) that can be used at airports that have installed ground communications outlets or GCO's. The GCO gives a pilot on the ground at an uncontrolled airport a means to communicate with the IFR Air Traffic Control facility and/or the Flight Service Station.
What is an RCO and GCO aviation?
An RCO is for use either on the ground or airborne while a GCO is for use only while the aircraft is on the ground. Outlets are also given different names according to the type of facility they serve. If an outlet serves a FSS, it is called a RCO.
What is an RCO frequency?
Flight Service has 198 RCOs that currently use the 122.2 frequency. The RCO reduction effort has identified nine (9) locations where this frequency is to be decommissioned.
How do you get a VFR clearance?
As a pilot performing a VFR flight and departing from a controlled airfield, you must contact the ATC before taxi in order to have the initial VFR clearance. You will obtain this clearance from a ground or tower controller. At other airports, you may ask the approach controller to provide your clearance.
What is an aviation GCO?
Ground communications outlets (GCO) have been installed at some U.S. airports to provide a means for pilots on the ground to communicate with flight service stations and air traffic control (ATC) facilities for the purpose of filing, opening and closing VFR or IFR flight plans; obtaining weather briefings and ...
How do you use an RCO in aviation?
Many satellite airports have a dedicated clearance delivery frequency that is remoted to the controlling facility, It's known as an RCO, Remote Communications Outlet. In that case, it's easy. Simply contact the facility while on the ground and request the clearance and the release.
What is the difference between RCO and FSS?
The RCO is used to make a radio call to the outlet as if the pilot were making the call directly to the FSS or FIC. The outlet will relay the call (and the briefer's response) automatically. RCOs are sometimes confused with RTRs, or remote transmitter/receivers.
What is fise frequency?
In Canada, Flight Information Centres (FIC) monitor the FISE frequencies (frequency 126.7 MHz is for broadcasts) as well as 121.5 MHz, the emergency frequency.
How many Artcc are there?
There are 21 ARTCCs located throughout the United States. Each of these centers is responsible for controlling en route traffic over the United States and parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in a definitive amount of geographical area that can be in excess of 100,000 square miles.
Can you fly Special VFR at night?
SVFR is possible at night, but the requirements go up significantly: you must be qualified for instrument flight under FAR 61, and your aircraft must be equipped for instrument flight. Basically, you need to be ready to go IFR.
What is the minimum VFR ceiling?
Basic VFR Weather Minimums cloud ceiling at least 1,000 feet AGL; and. ground visibility at least 3 statute miles (usually measured by ATC but, if not available, flight visibility at least 3 statute miles as estimated by the pilot).
Can you depart Special VFR?
If the reported weather is less, a pilot can request a Special VFR Clearance. Several conditions must be met; the visibility must be at least one statue mile, the pilot must remain clear of clouds and at night, the pilot must be instrument rated in an IFR capable aircraft.
What frequency does GCO use?
The system uses the airport's listed frequency ( 121.725 or 135.075 ).
How does a GCO work?
A GCO instead connects with the aircraft/pilot via a radio transmitter/receiver, but with the ground facility via a telephone connection. Special electronic components in the GCO connect the radio communications from the aircraft to the telephone communications from the facility.
What is a ground communication outlet?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. Ground communications outlets ( GCO) have been installed at some U.S. airports to provide a means for pilots on the ground to communicate with flight service stations and air traffic control (ATC) facilities for the purpose of filing, ...
How do you use GCO?
Pilots may contact TRACON, Wx Brief, Airport Operations and Emergency Services via the GCO. The system will ask you to click the mic twice to acknowledge it is dialing the correct location. (If it is not correct location, wait 5 seconds and start again.) The GCO will then dial the appropriate number.
What is RCO GCO?
An RCO is for use either on the ground or airborne while a GCO is for use only while the aircraft is on the ground. Outlets are also given different names according to the type of facility they serve. If an outlet serves a FSS, it is called a RCO.
How does an RCO work?
The RCO is used to make a radio call to the outlet as if the pilot were making the call directly to the FSS or FIC. The outlet will relay the call (and the briefer’s response) automatically. While RCOs serve flight service stations, RTRs serve terminal air traffic control facilities.
What is clearance delivery frequency?
Clearance Delivery Frequency is initial clearance from ATC before you take off. The idea behind using a dedicated frequency for this is that it avoids tying up the ground control frequency (used for authorizing ground movement on taxiways and such) with long clearances and readbacks.
What do you say in clearance delivery?
Clearance Delivery You tell the controller who you are (your aircraft’s N-number, where you are on the airport, and where you want to go, i.e. “west departure” or your destination airport.
How do I call IFR clearance?
If the weather is IFR, at least there shouldn’t be any traffic in the pattern. Other ways… there’s the National Clearance delivery through AFSS – 888-766-8267. This number should be programmed in every instrument pilot’s cell phone.
What does RCO mean in aviation?
Remote communications outlets ( RCO ) are remote radio transmitters/receivers established as an extended communications capability. They are used to. receive position reports; retransmit ATC clearances; and. provide remote aerodrome advisory services (RAAS) or flight information services en route (FISE).
What is a Fars RCO?
That includes planning your IFR departure. Many satellite airports have a dedicated clearance delivery frequency that is remoted to the controlling facility, It ’s known as an RCO, Remote Communications Outlet.
Can you use a cell phone in a GA cockpit?
But I suspect that the point is mostly moot: cell phones only work decently at dangerously low altitudes, and without special equipment to pair them to the intercom system, a GA cockpit is too noisy to use them normally. If you are airborne, your cellphone is pretty much useless anyway. Just use your radio. see more.