Aviation glossary

ATIS

Automatic Terminal Information Service — a recorded, continuously repeated broadcast with current weather and operational information at an aerodrome.

ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) is broadcast by controlled aerodromes on a dedicated frequency (or in data-link form as D-ATIS) and contains the current METAR, active runway, QNH and any NOTAMs. Each recording is labelled with an ICAO phonetic letter (Alpha, Bravo…). Pilots monitor ATIS before first contact with ATC and report the letter so ATC knows they have current information.

Related terms

METAR
Meteorological Aerodrome Report — the routine weather report from an aerodrome. Issued every half hour (in the Czech Republic at HH+00 and HH+30).
ATC
Air Traffic Control — the service that issues clearances and instructions in controlled airspace and is responsible for aircraft separation.

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