Definition
On an Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) broadcast, the word 'Information' followed by a phonetic letter (e.g., 'Information Alpha') identifies which version of the current ATIS recording the pilot is listening to. Each new broadcast is assigned the next letter in the phonetic alphabet, so pilots and controllers can confirm they are working from the same set of airport conditions.
Plain English
It's the label on the current airport recording. 'Information Alpha' just means 'this is version A of the airport's current report.' When a new report is made, it becomes 'Information Bravo,' and so on.
Context Anchor
Heard on airport information broadcasts and used when checking in with air traffic control, such as “with Information Bravo.”
Derivation
Information comes from Latin roots meaning “to shape or give form to an idea.” In aviation, the word keeps that sense: it is the formed set of current facts a pilot needs before operating at or near an airport.
Why Pilots Care
Confirming the correct INFORMATION letter ensures the pilot has the latest weather, runway, and airport condition data before accepting a clearance or landing.
Intuition Check
Do not read INFORMATION here as just any general facts. In this radio context, it usually means a specific current airport broadcast identified by a letter.
Example Sentence 1
Cessna 12345, ready to taxi with Information Bravo.
Example Sentence 2
Tower, Skyhawk 456 with information Foxtrot, requesting landing clearance.