Federal Register #2026-13257

FAA Notice: Decommissioning Remote Communications Outlets and Release of Airport Property

This notice from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, outlines two major actions: - Decommissioning of Remote Communications Outlets (RCOs): - FAA will decommission 674 remote communications outlets, including 504 RCOs and 170 VOR voice outlets, used by Flight Service Stations across the conterminous United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. - 262 outlets will be retained to ensure continued coverage and essential aeronautical services for pilots. - The action is intended to modernize infrastructure, reduce maintenance and operational costs, and transition to alternative communication systems. - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned; the notice does not request or award any products or services. - The decision follows stakeholder feedback and safety analyses to ensure operational safety. - Release and Sale of Airport Property: - FAA proposes to release and sell 77.80 acres of federally obligated airport property at North Platte Regional Airport (LBF), Nebraska. - The property will be sold to Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District for non-aviation use, specifically for dredging and operations related to the North Platte River and diversion dam. - The sale process includes a public comment period and FAA approval. - No procurement of products or services is requested or awarded as part of this notice. - No OEMs or vendors are specified in the documentation. - The period of performance for the decommissioning begins with a phased reduction starting in late fiscal year 2026.

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final determination to decommission 674 remote communications outlets (RCOs), including 504 RCOs and 170 VOR voice outlets, used by Flight Service Stations within the conterminous United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. This decision follows public comments and additional safety analyses, balancing modernization goals with the need to maintain essential aeronautical services. The FAA will retain 262 outlets to ensure coverage comparable to existing service levels. The decommissioning aims to reduce maintenance and infrastructure costs while supporting the transition to alternative communication systems.

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