Tuesday, December 06, 2005

London FIS (Flight Information Service)

In case you weren't aware, there is a 'flight information service' for all aircraft operating outside of controlled airspace (in other words no mans land!). Depending on the aircrafts location, there are two frequencies used which are: 124.6 & 124.75 but most of the time these are 'bandboxed' together under one controller. It is important to understand this is not a radar service of any kind but is useful for pilots (I used it quite regularly when I was flying) to provide information on their flight and receive information on other possible conflicting flights and in addition, to obtain weather reports and regional pressure settings etc.

It can make very interesting listening at times. Also because the service is transmitted through various repeaters in order to cover the UK it is possible to listen to aircraft at low level even if they are 200 miles or more away!

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