Definition
A free, ground-based service that broadcasts aviation weather and aeronautical information to aircraft equipped with a 978 MHz Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) ADS-B In receiver. FIS-B transmits products such as METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, NEXRAD radar imagery, NOTAMs, TFRs, and winds and temperatures aloft, allowing pilots to view current weather and aeronautical data in the cockpit.
Plain English
FIS-B is a free signal sent up from the ground that puts weather reports, radar pictures, and flight notices onto a screen in the cockpit, as long as the aircraft has the right receiver.
Context Anchor
Seen in cockpit weather displays, ADS-B In equipment discussions, and FAA weather-source material for instrument flying.
Derivation
The name describes the service plainly: it provides flight information (weather and aeronautical data) by broadcast (a one-way signal sent out to anyone equipped to receive it). 'Broadcast' is key — the ground station sends the data continuously, and any properly equipped aircraft within range can pick it up without requesting it.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots real-time access to METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, and NOTAMs without needing to contact flight service, improving awareness and reducing workload.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “broadcast” means the pilot can ask it for a custom update. FIS-B is sent out for equipped aircraft to receive; it is not a two-way conversation with a weather specialist or air traffic control.
Example Sentence 1
Before descending into the destination area, the pilot checked FIS-B for the latest METAR and a NEXRAD image of the approaching line of showers.
Example Sentence 2
FIS-B delivered the latest AIRMETs directly to the cockpit display during the cross-country flight.