Definition
A computer-generated voice service available at certain non-towered airports that provides pilots with current local information such as wind, altimeter setting, active runway, and other airport advisories on the published UNICOM frequency, without requiring a human operator to respond.
Plain English
An automatic voice on the airport's radio frequency that reads out current weather and runway information when a pilot calls in or tunes to it. No person is on the other end — a computer is doing the talking.
Context Anchor
You may hear or use Automated UNICOM when operating at smaller airports, especially before arrival, before departure, or when checking that your radio is transmitting clearly.
Derivation
UNICOM stands for Universal Communication, a private radio service at non-towered airports. 'Automated' here means the responses are generated by a computer system rather than spoken by a person at the airport.
Why Pilots Care
Provides pilots with essential weather and airport information for safe operations when airport staff or an FBO are unavailable.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “Automated UNICOM” means air traffic control. It gives information automatically; it does not issue clearances or control traffic.
Example Sentence 1
Ten miles out, she keyed the mic on the UNICOM frequency and listened as the Automated UNICOM reported the wind, altimeter, and active runway.
Example Sentence 2
Automated UNICOM allows pilots to receive continuous airport information at remote fields without requiring anyone to staff the radio.