Definition
A continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information at busier airports, providing arriving and departing pilots with current weather, active runways, approaches in use, and other essential airport conditions. Each broadcast is identified by a phonetic letter (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.) that updates whenever the information changes, typically once per hour or sooner if conditions warrant.
Plain English
A recorded radio message you tune into before contacting the tower or ground, telling you the latest weather and what's happening at the airport so the controller doesn't have to repeat it to every pilot.
Context Anchor
Pilots usually hear ATIS on a radio frequency before takeoff, before landing, or before entering the airspace around a controlled airport.
Derivation
‘Terminal’ here refers to the airport terminal area — the airspace and ground environment around the airport — not the building where passengers wait. ‘Automated’ means it plays on a loop without a controller reading it live each time.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces radio congestion and gives pilots immediate access to essential airport information before contacting ATC.
Intuition Check
Do not read terminal here as the airline passenger building. In ATIS, terminal means the airport area where arriving and departing aircraft are being handled.
Example Sentence 1
Ten miles out, the pilot tuned in ATIS and copied down the wind, altimeter setting, and active runway before calling the tower.
Example Sentence 2
ATIS was updated after the wind shifted, so the pilot noted the new active runway before taxiing.