RCO and DRCO remote outlets
RCO (Remote Communications Outlet): VHF transmitter/receiver, at an aerodrome or off-site. Links aircraft to an FSS or flight information centre (FIC) for:
- Flight information service en route (FISE)
- Remote aerodrome advisory service (RAAS)
| Frequency | Use at RCO sites | Cite |
|---|---|---|
123.275, 123.375, 123.475, 123.55 MHz |
The four FISE RCO frequencies | TC AIM COM 1.4.1 |
121.5 MHz |
Not available: RCOs and PALs lack it. Only control towers and FSSs have it, only during operating hours | TC AIM COM 1.4.2 |
126.7 MHz |
Not monitored at most RCO sites. FIC activates it to broadcast SIGMETs and urgent PIREPs, and to search for overdue aircraft | TC AIM COM 1.4.1 |
DRCO (dial-up RCO) (TC AIM COM 1.4.1):
- RCO wired to a dial-up phone line reaching the ATS unit.
- Line opens only when pilot or ATS starts the call.
- Activate: key mic button four times, deliberate and constant, on the published DRCO frequency.
Trap: DRCO activation is four key presses (not two or three); 121.5 MHz and 126.7 MHz are not FISE RCO frequencies (126.7: FIC broadcast/search).
References
- TC AIM COM 1.4.1
- TC AIM COM 1.4.2