Definition
FSDPS is the FAA computer system that receives, processes, and distributes flight plan and weather data for use by Flight Service Stations (FSS). It handles the routing, storage, and retrieval of flight plans, NOTAMs, weather briefings, and related information that flight service specialists provide to pilots.
Plain English
It is the back-end computer system the FAA uses to move flight plans and weather information through the Flight Service network so briefers can give pilots the information they need.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA acronym lists and in references to Flight Service systems or aviation notice processing.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots rarely interact with FSDPS directly, but it is the system that carries a filed flight plan from a briefer or online filing service into the air traffic system. When it works, the flight plan is waiting when the pilot calls for clearance; when it lags, delays can occur.
Example Sentence 1
After the pilot filed her flight plan with Flight Service, it was passed through the FSDPS to the appropriate air traffic facility.
Example Sentence 2
Specialists at flight service stations use the FSDPS to retrieve current weather for a briefing.