Definition
A datalink service that delivers flight information — such as terminal weather (ATIS), pre-departure clearances, and other advisory messages — to the cockpit as text via the ACARS network, rather than over voice radio.
Plain English
It is a way for pilots to receive things like weather reports and clearances as printed text messages in the cockpit, instead of listening to them on the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in RNAV departure and cockpit information-system discussions, especially where an aircraft can receive updated flight information electronically before or during flight.
Derivation
D-FIS = Data Link Flight Information Services. ACARS dates from the late 1970s as a digital messaging system between aircraft and ground stations. Putting them together: flight information delivered through the ACARS text-message pipe.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots immediate access to essential updates without voice radio calls, reducing workload and improving awareness.
Intuition Check
Do not treat D-FIS ACARS as a navigation system. It is a messaging path for flight information, not the equipment that guides the aircraft along an RNAV route.
Example Sentence 1
Before pushback, the first officer pulled the latest ATIS through D-FIS ACARS and printed it to the cockpit printer.
Example Sentence 2
D-FIS ACARS delivered the latest NOTAMs directly to the flight deck display.