Definition
A pre-formatted, computer-generated message used by air traffic control to relay routine flight information — such as departure clearances, weather updates, or arrival instructions — directly to the pilot or aircraft system without requiring a controller to read it out by voice over the radio.
Plain English
It is when a computer sends standard flight information to the pilot in written form instead of a controller reading it aloud over the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in air traffic control procedures, especially where aircraft are being handed from one controller, sector, or facility to another.
Derivation
Automated means done by a machine or system without a person doing each step by hand. Transfer comes from a Latin idea meaning “carry across.” In this term, the information is being carried across from one ATC position or facility to another.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces radio frequency congestion and the risk of misheard instructions, letting the pilot focus more on aircraft control.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as any automatic message sent to a pilot. Here, it means ATC information being passed automatically between controllers or facilities.
Example Sentence 1
Before pushback, the crew received their departure clearance through automated information transfer rather than over the radio.
Example Sentence 2
Automated information transfer updated the aircraft with current weather before departure without any radio calls.