Flight Information Services (FIS)

Definition

Flight Information Service (FIS) is a non-ATC service provided to aircraft to enhance situational awareness and flight safety. It delivers essential information such as traffic advisories, weather conditions, airspace status, and other data relevant to the conduct of safe and efficient flights. FIS is particularly important in Class E and G airspace, where full ATC separation is not provided, and pilots are responsible for their own navigation and separation under VFR.

Purpose

Support safe self-separation in uncontrolled or lightly controlled airspace
Provide real-time operational data to assist pilots with decision-making
Serve as a communication link between pilots and the wider air traffic management system
Offer emergency support and relay distress messages if needed

Key Characteristics

FIS is an information service, not a control service
It does not issue clearances
It may be provided by a dedicated FIS frequency, a combined controller (e.g., Tower or Approach), or via Information stations at uncontrolled aerodromes

What FIS Provides

Type of Information	Example
Traffic Information	“Traffic opposite direction, 2 NM, same altitude”
Weather Updates	“Visibility decreasing in area of Wels, thunderstorms approaching”
Airspace Activity	“Parachuting active at Zell am See, 4000 ft and below”
NOTAM Summaries	“Runway 14/32 at Innsbruck closed due to maintenance”
Navigation Aid Status	“Linz VOR out of service until 1200 UTC”
Other Pilot Reports	“Mountain wave turbulence reported south of Graz”

FIS Frequencies and Stations

In Austria: Provided by Wien Information (e.g., 124.4 MHz)
In Germany: Provided by Langen Information (e.g., 128.95 MHz)
In uncontrolled airspace: May also be provided by Aerodrome Information Stations
Frequencies are listed on VFR charts and AIP publications

Phraseology Examples

“Wien Information, OE-XYZ, VFR from LOLO to LOLS, 3500 ft, request traffic information.”
“OE-XYZ, traffic 2 NM northbound, opposite direction, 3600 ft, unverified.”
“Maintain VFR, report leaving frequency.”

Limitations

FIS does not provide separation between aircraft
It may offer traffic information only if available (e.g., via radar or pilot reports)
In Class G airspace, pilots remain fully responsible for collision avoidance

Difference: FIS vs ATC

Feature	FIS	ATC
Clearance authority	❌ No	✅ Yes
Separation services	❌ No	✅ In controlled airspace
Weather/NOTAMs	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Used in Class G?	✅ Yes	❌ Typically not
Phraseology	Informational	Directive (clearances)

Tip for Pilots

✅ Use FIS proactively in uncontrolled airspace
✅ Don’t expect ATC-level service
✅ Maintain good lookout and situational awareness
✅ Use LearnATC to practice proper FIS communication scenarios