Definition
A data service that delivers non-control aeronautical and meteorological information to pilots in flight, including weather reports and forecasts, NOTAMs, special use airspace status, and other advisory information. FIS is delivered via datalink, most commonly through FIS-B (Flight Information Service-Broadcast) over the 978 MHz UAT link as part of the ADS-B system in the United States.
Plain English
A system that sends weather and other flight advisory information to the cockpit while you are flying, so you can see things like radar imagery, winds, and airspace updates on a display instead of asking someone over the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying, cockpit displays, and FAA material that discusses services or equipment used to provide pilots with flight information.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots current weather and safety information without voice radio calls, supporting better in-flight decisions and reduced workload.
Intuition Check
Do not read “information” as “instruction.” FIS gives helpful data to the pilot; it does not tell the pilot what they are cleared to do.
Example Sentence 1
Before descending into the valley, the pilot checked the FIS weather page on the panel display and saw that the line of showers had moved east of the destination.
Example Sentence 2
FIS-B broadcasts allowed the crew to receive real-time precipitation data during the cross-country flight.