Automatic Terminal Information Service - Definition and Overview

Automatic Terminal Information Service, or ATIS, is a continuous broadcast of recorded noncontrol information in busier terminal (i.e. airport) areas. ATIS broadcasts contain essential information, such as weather, active runway, and altimeter settings. Pilots usually listen to an available ATIS broadcast before contacting the local control tower, in order to reduce the controllers' workload and relieve frequency congestion. The recording is typically updated once an hour, and is generally given a letter designation (e.g. bravo). When contacting the control tower, a pilot will indicate he/she has "information bravo" to let the controller know that the information need not be repeated.

On tuning to an ATIS frequency, a pilot might hear

Palo Alto Airport, Information Bravo. One three five five zulu. Weather, ceiling six thousand overcast, visibility five, temperature one five, dew-point eight, wind three zero zero at eight. Altimeter two niner niner sever. Runway three one in use. GPS approaches available. Contact ground control with departure requests before taxi. Advise you have information bravo.

External links

UK ATIS frequencies (http://www.javiation.co.uk/vu.html)