Skip to main content

ATIS

ATIS provides pilots with up-to-date airport information, including weather conditions, active runways, available approaches (e.g., ILS, RNP), transition level (TRL), and any other relevant operational details. Pilots can access ATIS via radio frequency or through text-based data services such as datalink, including on VATSIM.

Maintaining an accurate and updated ATIS is crucial for ensuring smooth airport operations. The ATIS is refreshed regularly, especially when significant weather or operational changes occur.

ATIS Code System

Each ATIS report is assigned a unique code letter (A to Z) to ensure pilots and controllers are referencing the same information. Every time the ATIS is updated, the code advances alphabetically. This helps pilots verify that they have the latest information before departure or arrival.

Since METAR updates occur at least every 30 minutes, the ATIS is also updated at least once within this timeframe. However, additional updates may be issued if there are runway changes or other operational updates.

Pilot Requirements

  • Before Departure: The pilot must listen to the ATIS before requesting startup clearance and provide the ATIS code to Delivery.
  • Before Approach: The ATIS must be received before initial contact with Approach Control, and the current ATIS code should be reported to confirm receipt of the latest information.

ATIS Handoff Procedures

At most airports, the departure frequency is included in the ATIS for pilots to automatically switch after takeoff. However, at certain busy airports, such as Casablanca, Algiers, and Tunis, the handoff is performed manually by the Tower Controller instead of being automatically preassigned.

Note: At Tunis-Carthage (DTTA), the ATIS is generated automatically, similar to real-world operations.

ATIS Example

CASABLANCA INFORMATION P MET REPORT TIME 1920 EXPECT ILS APPROACH RUNWAY 35R RUNWAYS IN USE 35R FOR LANDING 35L FOR TAKEOFF TRL 70 WHEN PASSING 2000 FEET CONTACT RADAR ON FREQUENCY 120.300 WIND 280 DEGREES 7 KNOTS VISIBILITY 10 KILOMETERS LIGHT RAIN CLOUDS FEW 4000 FEET SCATTERED 5500 FEET TEMPERATURE 18 DEW POINT 15 QNH 1013 TREND NOSIG INFORMATION P OUT

Key Components of ATIS

  1. Airport Name & ATIS Code
    • Identifies the airport and the current ATIS letter.
  2. Time of Report
    • UTC time when the ATIS was issued.
  3. Weather Information
    • Includes wind direction/speed, visibility, precipitation, cloud cover, temperature, dew point, and QNH.
  4. Runway & Approach Information
    • Specifies active runways and available approach types.
  5. Transition Level (TRL)
    • Defines the altitude at which aircraft switch from QNH to standard pressure.
  6. Departure Frequency
    • Specifies which frequency pilots should contact after takeoff if an automatic switch is required.
  7. Trend Forecast
    • Indicates whether significant weather changes are expected.
Back to top