ATIS, or Automatic Terminal Information Service, is a continuous broadcast of recorded information at major airports. It provides pilots with current weather, runway information, and other relevant details. Listening to ATIS helps pilots prepare for arrival or departure by staying informed about conditions at the airport without tying up the air traffic control frequency.
Here are some common elements you might find in an ATIS broadcast:
Information Identifier (e.g., ATIS Information Alpha):
Each ATIS message is assigned a letter of the phonetic alphabet. This identifier changes when there’s new information, typically due to changes in weather or airport conditions.
Time of Observation:
Indicates when the weather information was last recorded.
Wind:
Specifies the current wind direction and speed. For example, “Wind 270 degrees at 15 knots.”
Visibility:
Describes horizontal visibility, often given in statute miles or meters. “Visibility 10 miles” means the visibility is 10 miles.
Weather Phenomena:
Reports on significant weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or thunderstorms.
Sky Condition:
Describes the cloud cover and altitude of the cloud base. For example, “Scattered clouds at 3,000 feet.”
Temperature and Dew Point:
Provides the current air temperature and the dew point temperature. This information is crucial for pilots to assess potential icing conditions.
Altimeter Setting:
Gives the current atmospheric pressure setting, which is essential for setting the altimeter correctly.
Other Information:
May include details about runway conditions, available approaches, and other relevant information for pilots.
Gareth Edwards
Gareth is one of the founders and owners of final approach. Gareth covers many of the airports across the North west including Manchester, Liverpool & Hawarden. Gareth is the main designer of the website.
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