Internet Services Shift To A New Platform

The FAA will discontinue the Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS II) Program, effective May 16, 2018. Internet services, including access to weather and aeronautical information, flight plan filing and automated services will remain available at no charge to pilots at www.1800wxbrief.com.

To continue to receive free services, users are encouraged to register on the new Leidos web portal. The FAA will work with current DUATS II providers on transition activities, including conducting pilot outreach, establishing commercial interfaces, and providing user migration assistance.

The Leidos Pilot Web Portal allows pilots to receive online preflight briefings, file flight plans and get automatic notifications and alerts. Registering for automatic notifications and alerts keeps pilots informed when new or adverse conditions arise, such as a severe weather forecast or observation, an airport closure, NOTAM or temporary flight restriction.

Within the Flight Service Directorate, the U.S. NOTAM Office (USNOF) provides policy and guidance to maintain data integrity and ensure timely dissemination of NOTAMs. The USNOF formats and distributes information regarding the establishment, condition or change in any aeronautical facility, unanticipated or temporary changes to services, procedures, or hazards in the NAS.

Flight Service encourages innovation in the delivery of services to pilots. User preferences for automation and new distribution methods make communication with pilots easier and faster. We provide continuous assessment of flight services based on feedback to enhance efficiency and add value for the pilot. The goal is to increase aviation safety by making weather and aeronautical information accessible where and when you need it.

As part of the Administrator's Strategic Initiative that lays the foundation for the NAS of the future, the Flight Service NAS Efficient Streamlined Services (FSNESS) sub-initiative is a multi-year, phased transition plan that will:

• Use technological advances to deliver efficient and affordable flight services
• Eliminate or reduce services that are redundant or obsolete, or do not support end-state core safety functions
• Use NextGen initiatives and vendor alternatives to streamline services
• Re-scope and negotiate contracts to support the appropriate service levels
• Engage stakeholders throughout the process to convey the vision for Future Flight Service Programs
• Modify proposed flight service changes based on stakeholder feedback and input

(Source: FAA)

FMI: www.1800wxbrief.com