According to ICAO, AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION SERVICE (ATIS) is the automatic provision of current, routine information to arriving and departing aircraft throughout 24 hrs or a specified portion thereof. This could be through Data link or Voice broadcasts. Data link-automatic terminal information service (D-ATIS) is the provision of ATIS via data link; while Voice-automatic terminal information service (Voice-ATIS) is the provision of ATIS by means of continued and repetitive voice broadcasts.
ATIS is a continuous broadcast service of information related to an airport and is accessed by the pilot in command and flight crew of any flight. The information is pre-recorded essential aeronautical information that pertains to:
🔹 Weather conditions and information
🔹 Active runways
🔹 Available approaches
🔹 Important notices to the pilot in command
The recording is updated at scheduled intervals or if there is a significant change that urgently needs to be broadcast. This service is mostly provided at busy airports where the ATC has heavy workload. Pilots can listen to these broadcasts before contacting the aerodrome ATC Unit.
Voice ATIS may be transmitted on a dedicated VHF communications frequency or as the voice element of a navigational facility (e.g. VOR). At busy airports, separate ATIS broadcasts may be made for arrivals and for departures
REFERENCES
ICAO Annex 11
www.stratosjets.com
