Ground communication outlet

There are multiple classes of airspace. Depending on the level of aviation activity in a class of airspace, different levels of air traffic control are used. An GCO is a variant of RCO. Historically, pilots would use a RCO, which was a direct telephone line to the nearest air traffic controller, be it a 'tower' or a "Flight Service Station'. An GCO is an advanced variant that allows a pilot to use the plane's radio to contact the RCO, and contact the nearest air traffic control service. In areas with decent cellular service, the procedure has been replaced by just calling the relevant air traffic controller directly.

A ground communication outlet is an automatic, remotely controlled, ground to ground communications device.Pilots at non-tower airports may contact the local Air Traffic Control(ATC) facility and / or Flight Service Station (FSS) by aircraft radio-to-telephoneconnection located on the airport. The telephone call goes to theappropriate FSS or sector ATC controller. Pilots may receive an instrumentclearance, close a VFR or IFR flight plan, get an updated weather briefingprior to take off, or any other FSS or ATC services. Use the listed frequencyfor the airport ( 121.725 or 135.075 ). Activate the system with four “keyclicks” on the VHF radio to contact the appropriate ATC facility or six “keystrokes” to contact the FSS. There is timer on the modem connection. If novoice is heard for a preset time period, the system will disconnect. Note thatthe VHF transceiver on the airport is very low power, 2 - 5 watts. You maynot be able to establish contact when between hanger rows or near otherobstructions. Additionally, you may need to reposition your aircraft slightlywhen stopped on the taxiway. The GCO system is intended to be used onlyon the ground. Airports with GCO are noted in the text portion of the airportdiagram. [http://www.dot.state.tx.us/publications/aviation/airportdir/grounds_outlet.pdf]

See also remote communications outlet.

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