Definition
A continuous broadcast of recorded non-control aeronautical information at selected uncontrolled airports in Alaska, transmitted by Flight Service Stations (FSS). The broadcast typically includes wind, altimeter, temperature, dew point, favored runway, and any pertinent remarks such as known traffic, NOTAMs, or runway conditions. AFIS is provided only by Alaska FSSs and is not available in the contiguous United States.
Plain English
A recorded radio broadcast, available only in Alaska, that gives pilots the current weather and airport information at certain airports that don't have a control tower. Pilots listen to it before arriving or departing so they already know wind, altimeter setting, and runway in use.
Context Anchor
You may encounter this term when operating at or near certain Alaska airports served by a Flight Service Station, especially before taxi, takeoff, approach, or landing.
Derivation
The phrase tells you most of what you need: 'automatic' because it's a continuous recorded loop, 'flight information' because it carries weather and airport data rather than control instructions, and 'service' because it's provided to pilots by the FSS. The 'Alaska FSSs Only' tag exists because this is a regional service unique to Alaska's flight service network.
Why Pilots Care
Provides pilots operating in remote Alaska areas with critical, up-to-date information even when two-way radio contact with a briefer is not possible, reducing workload and enhancing safety.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “service” means air traffic control service here. This service gives information only; it does not clear you to taxi, take off, land, or enter controlled traffic.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching Bethel, the pilot tuned in AFIS and copied the wind, altimeter, and favored runway before joining the pattern.
Example Sentence 2
Wind and visibility updates from the Automatic Flight Information Service Alaska Fsss Only helped the pilot decide to continue to the alternate airport.