Definition
A function provided by air traffic control or another aviation authority to assist pilots in the safe, orderly, and efficient conduct of flight. Examples include radar service, traffic advisory service, flight following, and approach control service.
Plain English
Help that controllers or other aviation providers give pilots during flight, such as separating traffic, calling out nearby aircraft, or guiding an approach.
Context Anchor
Seen in AIM and air traffic control discussions when describing what help is available to a pilot, such as control, information, or advisory help.
Derivation
From Latin servitium, meaning 'the work of a servant' or 'duty performed for another.' In aviation, it carries the same idea: a duty performed by ATC or other providers to support the pilot.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing which services are available helps pilots decide what kind of assistance to request and improves safety and efficiency during flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume service means aircraft maintenance or customer service here. In this AIM context, it means operational help or information provided to a pilot or flight.
Example Sentence 1
After landing rollout, the controller advised, 'radar service terminated, contact ground.'
Example Sentence 2
Flight Service Station provides weather briefings and flight planning service to pilots before departure.