RCO Cuts Are Here: What "Modernization" Actually Means for the NAS

 

On August 11, Leidos and the FAA announced they're decommissioning 674 of the 936 Remote Communications Outlet frequencies across the country — starting September 3. The official line is that call volume has dropped 99% since the 1980s thanks to services like Foreflight and Garmin, so the coverage isn't needed anymore.

Here's what isn't being considered here: reduced call volume through automated tools isn't the same as reduced need for a human safety net. Class C–G airspace — where most GA flying happens — already has the least radar coverage and the least redundancy in the NAS. RCOs are one of the last physical options pilots have to reach a live specialist in that airspace. Cutting the infrastructure doesn't retire an underused radio; it removes a fallback option for pilots in exactly the environment where things are most likely to go wrong.

What you can do: if you notice a gap in coverage on your routes after this rolls out, Document it here 

Check NOTAMs before every flight regardless — that's good practice either way.