What is ATIS?

• A. Airport Telecommunication and Information Station: weather alerts only.
• B. Automatic Terminal Information Service: a continuous broadcast of airport information.
• C. Terminal Operation Information Service: ground operations.
• D. Air Traffic Information System: a flight plan database.

Answer: (B)

ATIS stands for Automatic Terminal Information Service, and it is a continuous broadcast of essential airport information in the terminal area. It provides pilots with up-to-date details such as weather (wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, altimeter), active runway, available approaches, and other pertinent notices like NOTAMs. The purpose is to give you this information before you contact air traffic control, reducing radio chatter and helping you plan your approach or departure more smoothly. The bulletin is updated as conditions change and is identified with a letter (for example, Information Bravo) so you can reference the current information when you call ATC. This is more than just weather alerts—it’s a comprehensive, automated snapshot of airport information that affects how you operate in the area.