Agency Proposes To Take All 29 DF Transmitters Out Of Service

The FAA has posted a notice in the Federal Register seeking comments from pilots about a proposal to decommission all 29 Direction Finders in the state of Alaska and their associated approaches.

In the notice, the FAA says that DF usage for pilot orientation has become almost non-existent. Since 2004, the Alaska Flight Service Information Area Group (AFSIAG) has documented eight flight assists that involved lost or disoriented pilots. Of these, the use of DF equipment was documented three times. Since 2008, there have been no flight assists, nor usage of DF equipment for orientation services.

Newer technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS—B) have reduced the utilization of DF steers. Flight Service Stations have other tools available to assist lost or disoriented pilots, such as VOR, ADF, and GPS, that meet the needs of our aviation community. DF equipment is beyond its useful lifecycle.

The FAA invites interested persons to submit written comments or views. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. Comments are due on or before September 10th, and may be submitted electronically, by regular mail, fax, or hand-delivery to the FAA. Comments should reference Docket No. FAA-2012-0571.

FMI: Federal Register Notice