Definition
A data link service that delivers Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) broadcasts as text and/or synthesized voice directly to the aircraft, rather than requiring the crew to listen to a continuously looping VHF voice broadcast. Digital ATIS (D-ATIS) provides the same airport information — active runways, approaches in use, weather, NOTAMs, and other operational data — but transmits it through a controller-pilot data link so the crew can read it on a cockpit display and reduce frequency congestion.
Plain English
It's the airport information report (winds, runway in use, weather, etc.) sent to the cockpit as text or recorded audio over a data link, instead of the crew tuning a radio to listen to a looping voice broadcast.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter Digital ATIS on cockpit displays, flight planning tools, or aircraft data services when getting current airport information before departure or before arrival.
Derivation
ATIS stands for Automatic Terminal Information Service — "terminal" meaning the airport area, and "automatic" meaning the broadcast loops continuously without a controller having to repeat it. "Digital" was added when the same information began being delivered over data link instead of voice radio.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces radio congestion and provides pilots with immediate, readable access to essential airport data during approach planning.
Intuition Check
Digital does not mean the information is a different kind of ATIS. It means the normal ATIS information is delivered through a digital system instead of only as a voice broadcast.
Example Sentence 1
Before descent, the first officer requested Digital ATIS and printed the current arrival information for review.
Example Sentence 2
Digital ATIS updates are received automatically via the aircraft's data link system as the flight nears the destination airport.