Definition
Pre-recorded or computer-generated information transmitted over a UNICOM frequency at an uncontrolled airport, providing pilots with current airport conditions such as wind direction and speed, altimeter setting, active runway, and other relevant local data without requiring a human operator to respond in real time.
Plain English
At small airports without a control tower, an automated system can broadcast useful information — like wind, runway in use, and altimeter setting — to pilots over the airport's radio frequency. It works on its own, without someone sitting at a microphone.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this on the UNICOM frequency at some non-towered airports, especially when checking local conditions before arriving or departing.
Derivation
UNICOM comes from 'Universal Communications,' a radio service set up for non-towered airports. 'Advisory' means the information is offered as guidance — it is not a clearance or instruction. Together, the phrase describes guidance information delivered automatically over the UNICOM channel.
Why Pilots Care
Provides essential airport information at locations without a staffed tower or FBO, supporting safe arrivals and departures.
Intuition Check
Advisory does not mean approval or permission. It means helpful information that the pilot must evaluate and use with judgment.
Example Sentence 1
Ten miles out, the pilot tuned the UNICOM frequency and listened to the advisory information from the automated UNICOM system to get the wind and altimeter setting before joining the pattern.
Example Sentence 2
Before landing at the remote airport, she listened for the advisory information on the automated UNICOM system to confirm no other traffic was reported.