What is the difference between flight services and ATC?

A flight service station (FSS) is an air traffic facility that provides information and services to aircraft pilots before, during, and after flights, but unlike air traffic control (ATC), is not responsible for giving instructions or clearances or providing separation.



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The ATC system—the second major part of the National Airspace System—offers three basic forms of service: navigation aid (including landing), flight planning and in-flight advisory information, and air traffic control.

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The work can be high-stress and sometimes boring. Being an air traffic controller can be stressful due to the heavy workload and high-consequence environment, however, the job can also be dull and boring depending on how busy the skies are.

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Criteria: Worn by Air Traffic Controllers (AC) with ranks from Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4) to Petty Officer 1st Class (E-6). Air Traffic Controllers are responsible for the flow of air traffic by directing aircraft.

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If you obtain a standard briefing several hours before the flight or when the weather is questionable, it is a good practice to call an FSS for an abbreviated briefing just before takeoff. The FAA has established a universal toll-free telephone number for FSSs: 1–800–WX–BRIEF (1–800–992–7433).

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If the airport of departure and arrival, and the route flown, are all in uncontrolled airspace, no ATC contact is needed. Your location will determine whether or not you need to contact Air Traffic Control. If you are within an airport traffic area that has a control tower, you'll need to contact atc.

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Air traffic controllers use their skills and judgment to safely direct more than 70,000 flights daily to their destinations. The U.S. air traffic controller workforce consists of approximately 14,000 dedicated, highly-skilled, and well-trained men and women.

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