Safety Promotion & Education
RCO
Remote communications outlets (RCO) are remote radio transmitters/receivers established as an extended communications capability. They are used to
- receive position reports;
- retransmit ATC clearances; and
- provide remote aerodrome advisory services (RAAS) or flight information services en route (FISE).
It should be noted that flight service stations (FSS) offering these services are not located on-site. RCO frequencies are used like any other frequency.
DRCO
A dial-up remote communications outlet (DRCO) is an RCO that is equipped with a commercial telephone line. The line is only "opened" once the pilot or flight service specialist has made a call, and only the flight service specialist can disconnect the line. DRCOs are used to provide FISE.
Activating the DRCO
- Select the published RCO frequency;
- Push the microphone button four times in no more than four seconds;
- A dial tone will be heard;
- The message "lien établi/link established" indicates that communication has been established;
- Initiate the radio communication as usual.
Difficulties?
- A "call terminated" message indicates that the telephone line has been inadvertently disconnected.
- If the line is not available, a "try again" message will be broadcast.
Reference: A.I.P. Canada, RAC 1.1.4
RCO and DRCO - TP 2228-19
(PDF, 34 KB)