Flight Information Service (FIS)

Flight Information Service (FIS) is a radio service provided by air traffic services facilities in uncontrolled airspace and some controlled airspace. The purpose of FIS is to provide pilots with information necessary for the safe conduct of flight, without issuing mandatory instructions. FIS provides position information, traffic information, weather information, and other operational information.

FIS is not the same as ATC. When you are in contact with ATC, you are receiving positive air traffic control. ATC controls your flight, assigns you altitude, heading, and speed. ATC sequences you with other traffic and makes all separation decisions. When you are in contact with FIS, you remain responsible for your own separation from other aircraft. FIS provides information that helps you make decisions, but does not require you to follow specific instructions.

In many European countries, FIS is provided by a facility with a designation such as "Information," "Radio," or "Flight Information Service." For example, Linz Information provides FIS within the Linz Flight Information Region. Zurich Radio provides FIS across much of the Swiss airspace. The facility name is usually the name of the nearest major aerodrome or city, combined with "Information" or "Radio."