What is the role of Flight Service Stations (FSSs) in relation to overdue or missing VFR aircraft?

Flight Service Stations (FSSs) serve as vital communication and information hubs for pilots, especially when it comes to handling situations involving overdue or missing Visual Flight Rules (VFR) aircraft. Their primary role in such cases is to act as central points for collecting and disseminating information. This includes gathering details about a missing aircraft, coordinating with other agencies, and sharing information with search and rescue operations.

When an aircraft is overdue or unaccounted for, FSSs take on the responsibility of initiating and coordinating search efforts, which may involve alerting relevant authorities and assisting in the retrieval of information that could help locate the aircraft. This capability is crucial, as timely communication and accurate information dissemination can significantly impact the chances of locating an overdue aircraft.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the purpose of FSSs in these scenarios. For instance, while FSSs may have some communication capabilities, they do not provide radar services nor perform air traffic control duties, which are responsibilities managed by Air Traffic Control facilities. Additionally, securing flight plans is not solely within the purview of FSSs; they mainly assist with the dissemination of flight plan information rather than storing or securing all flight plans.