I was just wondering how an FSS "controls" traffic when there is no tower and nobody on site? I'm thinking of CYQF (Red Deer Regional). When flying into CYQF you are supposed to notify Red Deer Radio your intentions and they try to slip you in but I just wonder how they track where every aircraft is located without a tower.
Is there a radar that tells FSS where every aircraft really is located and if there is any chance of collision ect??
Question: Class E --- Remotely advising aircraft
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ReturningPPL
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Re: Question: Class E --- Remotely advising aircraft
Radio doesn't control anything, it's up to you to separate yourself from other traffic. Radio passes advisories and relays clearances from ATC to IFR and Special VFR traffic.
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youhavecontrol
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Re: Question: Class E --- Remotely advising aircraft
There might be an MLAT system there (ground based multilateration), but I'm not sure. FSS will keep tabs on everyone's position as best as they can so they can inform each aircraft of potential conflicts and assist, at times with conflict resolution, by advising a course of action. Often, they'll use the VDF system to find your bearing from the tower, and spot you with binoculars if they don't have Radar or MLAT. ...other than that, they're trusting you to give them an accurate position report.
Basically, you tell them what you want to do, they'll tell you who's around you. If there's IFR arrivals or larger aircraft, they'll often give you advice if they see a potential problem with what you're doing, but they'll never give instructions, just advisory info. Don't ever be afraid to ask them if what you plan on doing could cause a conflict with another aircraft, and always know that there's a good reason for any advisory that they give you.
The only time that FSS can be a hassle is when they have to deal with more traffic than they're designed to handle, especially student traffic, that often does not have ideal situational awareness or the greatest radio etiquette. ..which seems to be happening in places like Red Deer. I used to fly there years ago, and after looking at the CFS again, I can't believe how much they've changed their arrival and departure procedures for VFR aircraft.
Don't be afraid to go there, but make sure you know the new arrival and departure procedures in the CFS. It helps to draw the routes they prefer you to take onto your VNC.
Basically, you tell them what you want to do, they'll tell you who's around you. If there's IFR arrivals or larger aircraft, they'll often give you advice if they see a potential problem with what you're doing, but they'll never give instructions, just advisory info. Don't ever be afraid to ask them if what you plan on doing could cause a conflict with another aircraft, and always know that there's a good reason for any advisory that they give you.
The only time that FSS can be a hassle is when they have to deal with more traffic than they're designed to handle, especially student traffic, that often does not have ideal situational awareness or the greatest radio etiquette. ..which seems to be happening in places like Red Deer. I used to fly there years ago, and after looking at the CFS again, I can't believe how much they've changed their arrival and departure procedures for VFR aircraft.
Don't be afraid to go there, but make sure you know the new arrival and departure procedures in the CFS. It helps to draw the routes they prefer you to take onto your VNC.
"I found that Right Rudder you kept asking for."
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ReturningPPL
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