[Scan-DC] FAA Flight Check

[bobjeter1]

In order to correctly monitor Navigational aid coverage, modulation, accuracy, and signal strength one has to be at far field i.e. in the air.

FAA maintains a fleet of jets and turboprops equipped with special instruments and precision GPS. One base is Atlantic City at FAA Tech Center. Others are near Atlanta,  Hawaii, Tokyo, Oklahoma City, and Frankfurt. There used to be Seattle,Sacramento, and Battle Creek. Some or all may have closed by now. All civil US airports and most military facilities are monitored. Military bases worldwide are monitored. Foreign countries are monitored on a contract basis. Many countries have their own organizations: Mexico and Netherlands are a couple. All military facilities worldwide were checked.

Most inspections are routine periodic, some are for special maintenance/engineering, and after accident.

When I left in 1986 the fleet consisted of King Air 400's, some 200's, some Sabre Liners, a couple of Canadair Challengers, and a Lear or two. Sometimes light twins were employed to make measurements at smaller airports where the bigger planes couldn't land. Naval ships having TACAN capability were also checked out in the warning areas.

Facilities checked were VOR's, DME, ILS, PAR, ASR, TACANS, ARTCC RADAR, and NDB's. Also included was airport approach lights and surface markings. It was a fascinating job.

Operations can be monitored on 135.85 and 135.95 (backup). They communicate with ground maintenance who make adjustments.

The call sign is "Flight Check XX". The 80 series was Atlantic City. When I left we had 5 Jet Commanders and 2 Convair 580's, and a Cessna 421. The were a total of 21 jets when I left including a Boeing 727 in Hawaii for outer island work.

This was probably the most productive and efficient organization in the whole US government!

73, Bob K3RSJ