Definition
A continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information at busier airports, providing the current weather, active runway(s), approach in use, NOTAMs, and other essential arrival or departure data. Pilots listen to ATIS before contacting approach or tower so the controller does not have to repeat routine information to each aircraft. Each broadcast is identified by a phonetic letter (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.) that increments with every update, and the pilot reports having received the current letter on initial radio contact. At airports without ATIS, the same landing information is obtained directly from the tower or, at non-towered fields, from a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) call or an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) / Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) broadcast.
Plain English
A recorded message that plays on a set radio frequency at busy airports, giving you the latest weather, which runway is in use, and other things you need to know before landing. You listen to it first, then tell the controller you have it so they don't have to repeat it.
Context Anchor
Encountered during arrival planning, before entering the airport area, and before making radio contact for landing at a towered airport.
Derivation
Each ATIS broadcast is tagged with a phonetic letter (Information Alpha, Information Bravo, and so on) so both pilot and controller know whether the pilot has the latest version. When a new broadcast is recorded — usually after a weather update or runway change — the letter advances.
Why Pilots Care
It lets pilots gather critical landing details on their own, freeing controllers and helping pilots plan their approach safely and quickly.
Intuition Check
ATIS/landing information is not a clearance to land. It tells the pilot what conditions to expect; permission to land is a separate instruction from air traffic control.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the Class C airspace, the pilot tuned in ATIS, copied Information Mike, and reported it on first contact with approach.
Example Sentence 2
After listening to the ATIS/landing information, the pilot set the altimeter and briefed the expected landing runway.