Definition
In ATC usage, a descriptor indicating that a service, function, or facility operates by computer system or recorded means rather than through direct controller action. Commonly applied to facilities or services such as automated weather observations, automated flight service stations, and automated radar terminal systems.
Plain English
Run by a machine or computer instead of a person doing it live. When ATC describes something as automated, it means a system is producing or delivering the information rather than a controller speaking it in real time.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport weather reports, recorded airport information, air traffic systems, and other services that can run without a person speaking or controlling each step.
Derivation
From Greek 'automatos' meaning 'self-acting' or 'self-moving.' The aviation use carries that same idea: the system acts on its own, without a person performing each step.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing a service is automated tells you what to expect: the information is generated by a machine on a fixed schedule or trigger, so it may not reflect the latest conditions and there may be no human to ask follow-up questions.
Intuition Check
Automated does not mean guaranteed correct or no judgment needed. It only means the task is being performed by a machine or software process instead of directly by a person at that moment.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot tuned in the automated weather broadcast before entering the traffic pattern.
Example Sentence 2
Automated flight following let the controller monitor the aircraft without constant radio calls.