I don't know why we even need A/G or FISO's. In my opinion it is probably safer to talk directly to other pilots in the vicinity of an aerodrome on a Unicom frequency than a radio operator who has no ATC authority. As far as parachuting goes, in the USA the parachuting is notified by Notam, then when nearing the vicinity of the area, if not already talking to some form of ATC, then contact is made with the 'drop' pilot on a Unicom frequency. He's in a far better position to advise whats going on than say a FISO sitting on the ground. Many of these untowered airports also broadcast AWOS [automated weather] information which includes all pertinent information needed, including such things as density altitude, wind direction, speed etc..
It all works perfectly well, so well in fact that even large airports become un-towered fields after 'closing time' and a Unicom freq becomes active. Its an interesting feeling flying into and taxying around a normally busy 5 runway airport in the middle of the night with no one around....
Cheers
EA
