Definition
A category of air traffic services that provides pilots with information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of a flight, including weather conditions, changes to airport or navigation aid status, traffic information, and other advisory information. Flight Information Services are advisory in nature and do not include separation between aircraft or air traffic control instructions.
Plain English
A service that gives pilots helpful information during a flight — things like weather updates, airport conditions, and nearby traffic — but does not direct or control the aircraft.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this term when planning a flight, receiving in-flight updates, or using systems and facilities that provide weather and flight condition information.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots the real-time information needed to avoid hazards and adjust plans safely.
Intuition Check
Do not read “services” as control or permission. Flight Information Services provide useful information; they do not clear, command, or fly the aircraft for the pilot.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot used Flight Information Services to receive updated weather and a notice that the destination runway had been temporarily closed.
Example Sentence 2
She checked Flight Information Services before departure to review any airspace restrictions.