Definition
Advisory information provided by ATC to pilots, in addition to basic radar service, on a workload-permitting basis. These services may include traffic advisories, vectors around observed weather or restricted areas, bird activity reports, holding pattern surveillance, and other information the controller judges helpful to safe flight. Provision is not guaranteed; controllers will issue them only when higher-priority duties allow.
Plain English
Extra help from ATC beyond what they are required to give you, offered when the controller has time. It might include warnings about other aircraft, weather, birds, or restricted areas. You should not count on it being there every flight.
Context Anchor
You may see this term in FAA guidance about what air traffic control can provide to pilots in addition to its main duties.
Why Pilots Care
These services give pilots access to navigation assistance and weather avoidance that reduce workload and improve safety when basic services are not enough.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Additional Services” as paid extras or guaranteed help. In this FAA context, it means extra advisory help from air traffic control when workload allows.
Example Sentence 1
While receiving flight following, the controller provided additional services by calling out traffic at our two o'clock and a buildup of weather along our route.
Example Sentence 2
The controller provided additional services by suggesting a heading for smoother air during the flight.