Good news on the flight planning front

[ScottM]

http://www.aopa.org/flightplanning/articles/2008/080214duat.html

Pilots who rely on electronic sources for weather and briefing information can rest easy—DUAT will be around for at least five more years.
The FAA has announced plans to initiate a five-year contract for the continuation of DUAT services, with the option to renew for an additional four years

Considering I almost never call LM-FSS anymore this is great news.

 

[sba55]

Great news! I'm glad LH didn't get that contract.

-Felix

 

[Ghery]

Excellent! Far more convenient when I'm at a computer.

 

[mikea]

Duat And Duats?

 

[ScottM]

Duat And Duats?

Nothing about DUATS yet.

 

[Joe B]

Outstanding news, Scott! Thanks for the post.

Duat And Duats?

From the FAA's point of view the service is called "DUAT", and that's what the press release was about. There are currently two vendors: one operates from duat.com and the other from duats.com. So, yes, both are now up for renewal for five years.

It might be an interesting renewal. Last year's plan was that L-M was going to take over the service and roll it into their FSS "service". I wonder if L-M is going to bid on one of the DUAT vendor slots? Lord help us if they do!

Regards,
Joe

 

[TMetzinger]

Well, I have to say that FSS service has been terrific lately. Every time I call I'm talking to someone in less than a minute, who gets the job done. Radio calls are answered promptly too.

 

[bkreager]

I went on a three hour night cross country last night with a student, filed VFR flight plans for each leg. At 9 this morning I got a call from Forth Worth asking if I had made it home alright, apparently their system crashed and despite opening and closing all of our flight plans, they had no record of any of it. This just makes me feel sooo safe.