[Scan-DC] FAA Flight Check

[Andrew Clegg]

Interesting information Bob. Although the call sign was not Flight Check, 
and the frequency wasn't either of the ones you listed, this sounds exactly 
like what I heard at Dulles last Thursday.

Regards,
Andy

--------------------------------------------------
From: "bobjeter1" <bobjeter at verizon.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 5:33 PM
To: <scan-dc at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Scan-DC] FAA Flight Check

> 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
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