Definition
A phrase used by Air Traffic Control to relay information to a pilot when the controller is passing along advice or information that originated from another ATC facility. It indicates that the information is being shared for the pilot's awareness rather than as a direct clearance or instruction from the controlling facility.
Plain English
When a controller says 'ATC advises,' they're passing on information from another air traffic control unit. It's a heads-up, not an order.
Context Anchor
You may hear this phrase over the radio when information from air traffic control is relayed to you by another aviation communication facility or person.
Derivation
Advises' comes from the Latin 'advisare,' meaning 'to consider' or 'to give counsel.' In ATC phraseology it carries this softer sense — sharing information for consideration — rather than directing action.
Why Pilots Care
Alerts the pilot that the information carries operational weight and should be considered in flight decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “advises” as “clears” or “orders.” “ATC advises” introduces information; a clearance or instruction must be stated separately.
Example Sentence 1
The controller transmitted, 'ATC advises icing reported between 8,000 and 12,000 feet along your route.'