Lois Larson
Ground Communication Outlets (GCOs) are radio-based ground stations that enable pilots to communicate directly with Flight Service. They are available at some uncontrolled airports and can be used to obtain an IFR clearance or close an IFR flight plan. To use a GCO, pilots typically need to click or key click the mic four times to connect to ATC. However, GCOs have been noted to be unreliable, with some pilots opting to use their cell phones as a backup. Airports with GCOs may also provide phone numbers to contact ATC directly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of communication | Radio-based ground stations |
| Purpose | To enable pilots to talk directly with Flight Service |
| Use case | Pilots can use GCO to obtain IFR clearance or close an IFR flight plan |
| Technology | GCO uses a radio receiver to connect through a modem to the controller issuing clearances |
| Activation | Four "key clicks" on the VHF radio to contact ATC, six "key clicks" to contact FSS |
| Connection | GCO connects pilots to ATC or FSS via a telephone connection |
| Reliability | GCOs are notably flakey and may experience unreported outages |
| Alternative | Pilots can also use a cellphone to call for clearance |
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What You'll Learn
GCOs are Ground Communication Outlets
Ground Communications Outlets (GCOs) are radio-based ground stations that enable pilots to communicate directly with Flight Service. They are installed at some U.S. airports to provide a means for pilots on the ground to communicate with flight service stations and air traffic control (ATC) facilities. GCOs are typically used for filing, opening and closing VFR or IFR flight plans, obtaining weather briefings and clearances, and similar communications.
GCOs use a radio receiver to connect through a modem to the controller issuing clearances. They are activated by clicking the mic four times, which dials the number for the appropriate ATC facility and connects the pilot directly via radio. This is different from Remote Communications Outlets (RCOs), which are set to a dedicated Flight Service frequency and used for air-to-ground communications. RCOs are typically found at larger facilities, while GCOs are more common at smaller airports due to their lower cost.
To use a GCO, pilots tune their radio to the listed frequency (121.725 or 135.075) and click the mic four times to contact ATC or six times to contact FSS. The controller will answer with the facility name or sector, and the pilot can then request their clearance. GCOs are not part of the official air traffic control radio system, so they may experience unreported outages. Additionally, there is a timer on the modem connection, and if no voice is heard for a preset interval, the system will disconnect.
Some pilots have reported issues with GCOs, such as difficulties connecting or experiencing blocks due to the half-duplex system. In some cases, pilots have resorted to using their cell phones to contact ATC or FSS directly. However, GCOs can be a useful way for pilots at uncontrolled airports to obtain clearances and flight plans without having to go through a middleman.
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They are used to contact ATC and FSS
Ground Communication Outlets (GCOs) are radio-based ground stations that enable pilots to talk directly with Flight Service Stations (FSSs) and Air Traffic Control (ATC). They are used to contact ATC and FSS in a variety of situations, such as when filing an IFR flight plan, requesting clearances, and dealing with emergencies.
To use a GCO, pilots typically need to click the microphone button four times to establish a connection. This action dials the number for the ATC or FSS and connects the pilot directly to them via radio. The controller will answer with the facility name or sector, and the pilot can then request their clearance. It is important to note that GCOs can be unreliable, with some pilots reporting difficulties in establishing a connection or experiencing blockages during communication. In such cases, pilots often resort to using their cell phones to contact ATC or FSS directly.
FSSs are air traffic facilities that provide essential services to pilots, including pilot briefings, flight plan processing, en route flight advisories, search and rescue operations, and assistance in emergency situations. They also relay ATC clearances, process Notices to Airmen, and broadcast aviation weather and aeronautical information. Pilots can contact FSSs by radio or telephone, depending on their preference and the equipment available at the facility. When contacting an FSS, it is important to specify the outlet through which the call is being made to ensure a prompt response from the correct specialist.
ATC facilities, on the other hand, are responsible for managing the flow of air traffic and providing clearances for aircraft operating within their airspace. Pilots can contact ATC by radio or telephone to obtain clearances, report equipment malfunctions, and receive assistance with traffic advisories. While some ATC facilities have publicly available phone numbers, others may require pilots to contact the Flight Standards District Office to obtain the necessary contact information.
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GCOs are activated by clicking the mic four times
Ground Communication Outlets (GCOs) are available at some airports, particularly smaller airports that cannot afford a Remote Communications Outlet (RCO). GCOs are used by pilots to communicate with air traffic control (ATC) facilities and flight service stations (FSS) to file, open and close VFR or IFR flight plans, obtain weather briefings and clearances, and other similar communications.
GCOs can be activated by clicking the mic four times. This will connect pilots directly to ATC via radio. Pilots can then request their clearance. However, it is important to note that GCOs are notably unreliable, and pilots often resort to using their cell phones to make these communications.
The process of obtaining an IFR clearance at a non-towered airport is as follows:
- Telephone Flight Service directly and get the clearance over the phone.
- Use an RCO to contact Flight Service.
- Use a GCO to reach ATC over the aircraft's communication radio.
In the case where there is no RCO or GCO available, or the GCO is not functioning, pilots can obtain the ATC phone number from Flight Service and call them directly.
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They are not part of the official ATC radio system
Ground Communications Outlets (GCOs) are not part of the official ATC radio system. They are installed at some U.S. airports to enable pilots on the ground to communicate with flight service stations and air traffic control (ATC) facilities. GCOs use a radio receiver to connect through a modem to the controller issuing clearances.
GCOs are not the only way to communicate with ATC. Some airports have Remote Communications Outlets (RCOs), which are radio ground stations set to a dedicated Flight Service frequency. RCOs are used for air-to-ground communications with FSS, such as submitting PIREPs or opening VFR flight plans. They are also used for closing flight plans and getting IFR clearances. If an uncontrolled airport has an RCO available, the frequency and the related FSS are listed in that airport’s Airport and Facility Directory “Airport Communications” section.
GCOs, on the other hand, use different technology to achieve a similar result as an RCO. They connect with the aircraft or pilot via a radio transmitter/receiver but with the ground facility via a telephone connection. This means that GCOs are not part of the official ATC radio system and may not receive regular operational status checks, leading to unreported outages.
To use a GCO, pilots must click the mic four times, which dials the number for the facility and connects them directly via radio. The controller will answer with the facility name or sector, and the pilot can then request their clearance. However, GCOs can be unreliable, with some pilots reporting a success rate of only 30%. If the GCO does not work, pilots can use a cellphone to call the number listed in the Chart Supplement, and the same person will pick up.
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GCOs are used at uncontrolled airports
Ground Communications Outlets (GCOs) are used at uncontrolled airports to enable pilots to talk directly with Flight Service. They are radio-based ground stations that use a radio receiver to connect through a modem to the controller issuing clearances.
At uncontrolled airports, only one aircraft is able to depart or land under IFR at a time. To use a GCO, pilots tune their radio to the correct frequency, and click their mic four times to reach ATC or six times for FSS. The controller will answer with the facility name or sector, and the pilot can then request their clearance.
GCOs are particularly useful at uncontrolled airports as they allow pilots to obtain an IFR clearance or close an IFR flight plan. They can also be used to open or close a VFR flight plan, obtain an updated weather briefing prior to takeoff, or, for Alaska or MEDEVAC only, obtain an IFR clearance.
GCOs can be found at both large and small uncontrolled airports, and their information is typically found in the A/FD under "Airport Communications" or in the "'Additional Remarks' section."
It is worth noting that GCOs are known to be unreliable, with some pilots reporting a success rate of only 30%resort to using their cell phones to contact clearance delivery.
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Frequently asked questions
To use a GCO, you need to click the mic four times and it will dial the number for the ATC facility or six "key strokes" to contact the FSS. You can then request your clearance.
A Ground Communications Outlet (GCO) uses a radio receiver to connect through a modem to the controller issuing clearances. It connects pilots to the facility via a telephone connection. An RCO, on the other hand, allows pilots to communicate directly over a remote radio transmitter/receiver with the facility.
You can check the communications section of the airport's Chart Supplement page or the airport diagram to see if a GCO is available and at what frequency. If there is no GCO available, the airport will likely have an RCO or a published phone number for the ATC.
