Definition
A service that delivers the standard ATIS broadcast (current weather, active runways, approaches in use, NOTAMs, and other essential airport information) as digital text, and at participating locations also as a digitally synthesized voice over VHF radio. Pilots can receive the text version through datalink in the cockpit, allowing them to read the current ATIS rather than copy it by ear from the voice broadcast.
Plain English
It is the airport's recorded arrival and departure information delivered as text to the cockpit, so pilots can read it on a screen instead of writing it down while listening to the radio.
Context Anchor
Pilots use D-ATIS before taxi, before arrival, or anytime they need the latest airport information before talking with a controller.
Derivation
Digital indicates the information is sent as text data rather than only as a voice broadcast. The rest of the name describes what it carries: terminal information (information about the airport area) automatically updated and made available as a service.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces voice frequency congestion and lets pilots review critical airport information at their own pace without missing spoken details.
Intuition Check
Do not read the “D” as “departure.” In D-ATIS, the “D” means digital. Also, “terminal” here means the airport area, not the airline passenger building.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the descent, the crew pulled up the D-ATIS for the destination and noted the altimeter setting and landing runway.
Example Sentence 2
D-ATIS automatically updates whenever the airport makes a significant change to weather or operations.