If the Academy FDIO is out of service, which action is required by the FD position regarding IFR clearances?

• A. Find alternate weather source
• B. Copy/request IFR clearances
• C. Include outage on the next ATIS
• D. Write out GI messages by hand

Answer: (A)

When the Flight Data Input/Output system is out of service, the FD position must still have access to current weather information to support IFR clearances. Weather data (winds, altimeter, visibility, and trends) is essential for issuing safe, accurate IFR instructions. If the primary source through FDIO isn’t available, you must locate an alternate weather source—such as AWOS/ASOS, a nearby weather station, or another facility’s feed—and use that data to inform the clearance you issue and any routing or altitude decisions. This ensures pilots receive up-to-date weather context even when the automated system is down.

Briefer or clearer weather is needed to avoid delays or unsafe clearances, so finding an alternate weather source is the correct immediate action. The other options don’t address the immediate need for reliable weather data: copying or requesting IFR clearances would rely on the system or external input that isn’t ready without weather data; noting an outage on ATIS doesn’t provide the current weather data required; and hand-writing GI messages isn’t the standard or necessary step to maintain IFR clearance quality in this scenario.