Flight Information Service Officer

Flight Information Service Officer

Flight Information Service Officers or FISO, provide a flight information service (FIS) to any air traffic that requests it, or requires it. A FISO is a licensed operator, who most usually works at an aerodrome, although there are some FISOs working in area control centers. FISOs must been validated for each aerodrome, or other air traffic control unit they work for. Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) are also permitted to provide flight information services to airlines pilots.

Communication is a vital part of the job. The officers are trained to precisely focus on the exact words pilots and other controllers or FISOs use. As with controllers, FISOs communicate with the pilots of aircraft using a push-to-talk radiotelephony system, which has many attendant issues such as the fact only one transmission can be made on a frequency at a time, or transmissions will either merge or block each other and become unreadable.

Although local languages are sometimes used in ATC communications, the default language of aviation worldwide has been English since 5 March 2008. FISOs working at an area control centre (ACC) will work from a dedicated position, providing FIS on a 'discreet frequency', as with their Aerodrome counterparts. I.E. a frequency other than the main air traffic control frequency.

FISOs most usually work in an aerodrome control tower, providing a flight information service to aircraft in the local area, and on the ground, and therefore require similar equipment and commanding views of an air traffic control tower at a quiet controlled aerodrome.

FISOs have the same powers as a controller to aircraft taxiing or stationary within the airport, when they are notified as being 'on watch', but may never provide commands to airlines pilots in the air or on the runway(s). See flight information service for full details on the service provided.

The average yearly salary for beginner Flight Information Service Officers in Australia is A$55,000, which includes the basic salary as well as any bonuses that may be given to them. Entry level positions start at A$30,000 per year while Flight Information Service Manager make up to A$80,000 per year. Overtime and shift allowances can increase income and some airlines provide subsidised travel after a qualifying period.

There are also many benefits such as annual bonus, company shares, transportation allowance, retirement plans and medical benefits offered to these positions.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.