Community Aerodrome Radio Station (CARS)

A Community Aerodrome Radio Station (CARS) is a type of ground-based radio communication facility operated by NAV CANADA or Transport Canada at aerodromes not warranting a full Flight Service Station (FSS). CARS provides limited aerodrome advisory services including traffic information, weather, and surface conditions.

CARS Services

• Monitoring the MF or ATF frequency and providing traffic advisories
• Disseminating weather and runway condition information
• Receiving and forwarding PIREPs
• Providing pilot briefing information for local area flights

CARS vs. FSS

A full FSS provides a broader range of services including IFR flight plan filing, weather briefings, and alerting service coordination. A CARS is a lighter-footprint facility focused on local aerodrome advisory services. The CFS indicates whether an aerodrome has CARS, FSS, or no ground service.

Related Terms

See also: Flight Service Station (FSS), Mandatory Frequency (MF).