Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

ATIS is a continuous broadcast of recorded aerodrome information. It provides pilots with current weather, runway conditions, and other essential data at controlled airports. The goal of ATIS is to reduce controller workload and prevent repetitive transmissions of routine information.

Each ATIS broadcast typically contains:

• Information letter (e.g., “Information Alpha”)
• Airport name
• Time of observation (UTC/Zulu)
• Weather information: wind, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, dew point, QNH
• Runway(s) in use
• Approach types available (e.g., ILS, RNAV)
• Transition level
• Remarks or operational restrictions
• Piste surface condition (if applicable)

 Wien Airport Information Delta, time 1200 Zulu. Runway in use 29, ILS approach. Wind 280 degrees, 10 knots. Visibility 10 kilometers. Few clouds at 3000 feet. Temperature 20, dew point 10. QNH 1015. Transition level 70. Bird activity reported in vicinity of airport. Advise controller on receipt of Delta. 

• The ATIS is broadcast on a dedicated frequency (e.g., 126.030 MHz) or via D-ATIS (data link).
• The information letter (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie…) is updated with each significant change, usually at least every 30 minutes.
• Pilots must listen to ATIS before first contact with ATC (e.g., Ground or Tower).
• The pilot reports the letter to the controller:
  “Wien Tower, D-EMFG, with Information Delta”

• Reduces frequency congestion
• Standardizes pre-landing or pre-departure information
• Ensures that all pilots are operating from the same situational awareness

• ATIS is broadcast in English only (even in countries where radio communication is otherwise in the national language).
• If the ATIS information has changed and the pilot received an outdated letter, ATC will inform them of the new one.
• In very poor weather or at uncontrolled aerodromes, no ATIS may be available.

Practice decoding real ATIS examples using the LearnATC simulator or by listening to real-world broadcasts (available online or via SDR radio receivers).