Definition
A staffed location at an airport where pilots and passengers can obtain general airport information, including services, facilities, ground transportation, and local procedures. Not to be confused with a Flight Service Station or air traffic control facility, which provide flight planning, weather, and operational services.
Plain English
A help desk at the airport where you can ask questions and get information about the airport itself.
Context Anchor
You may see AID in FAA acronym lists, airport information, or written airport references.
Why Pilots Care
The AID is a useful first stop for transient pilots arriving at an unfamiliar airport who need information about local services, but it is not a source for flight-related briefings, clearances, or weather.
Intuition Check
AID does not mean emergency help in this context. Here, AID means the airport information desk.
Example Sentence 1
After parking the aircraft, the pilot stopped by the AID to ask about courtesy car availability.
Example Sentence 2
Many AIDs also provide updated sectional charts and local NOTAM summaries for transient pilots.