Definition
An unstaffed VHF radio transceiver, located away from its parent Flight Service Station (FSS), that allows pilots to talk to that FSS by radio when they are out of range of the main station. The pilot transmits and receives on the RCO frequency; the signal is relayed to the FSS, where a specialist responds.
Plain English
A small radio relay site on the ground that lets you reach a Flight Service specialist by radio even when you are too far away to talk to them directly. You call on the RCO's frequency, and your voice is carried back to the specialist sitting at the main facility.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport information, chart notes, and non-towered airport operations when a pilot needs to contact flight service by radio.
Derivation
Remote = located away from the main station. Communication outlet = a point where communication is made available. Together: a communication access point placed away from the FSS that owns it.
Why Pilots Care
Allows pilots to obtain weather briefings, file flight plans, and receive ATC clearances while operating in areas far from staffed facilities.
Intuition Check
Remote does not mean the pilot can use it from anywhere. It means the radio equipment is controlled from somewhere else. Outlet does not mean an electrical outlet. Here, it means an access point for radio communication.
Example Sentence 1
Cruising over a quiet stretch of country, the pilot called the RCO frequency printed on the sectional to update Flight Service on her routing.
Example Sentence 2
While over mountainous terrain, the pilot tuned the RCO frequency to request an updated weather briefing.