Definition
FCOM refers to voice radio communications between pilots and a Flight Service Station (FSS). It covers the spoken exchanges used to obtain weather briefings, file or amend flight plans, request airport advisories at non-towered fields, and pass position reports while en route.
Plain English
Talking by radio to a Flight Service Station, rather than using text or a phone call.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA notices and abbreviation lists when the availability or status of Flight Service voice radio communication is being described.
Derivation
FCOM is a shortened form built from FSS, meaning Flight Service Station, and COM, a common aviation short form for communications. That helps show that this term is about communicating with Flight Service by voice radio.
Why Pilots Care
FSS voice contact is often the easiest way to update a flight plan in the air, get current weather, or pick up a clearance from a remote field. Knowing which frequencies carry FCOM keeps the pilot from calling on the wrong channel.
Intuition Check
Do not read FCOM here as Flight Crew Operating Manual. In this FAA notice context, FCOM means Flight Service Station voice radio communications.
Example Sentence 1
Before departing the uncontrolled strip, she used FCOM to request an airport advisory from the nearest Flight Service Station.
Example Sentence 2
Clear radio procedures under FCOM helped the pilot file a flight plan en route.