Definition
A continuous, automated telephone recording provided by Flight Service that gives pilots a pre-recorded summary of area or route weather, and sometimes other aeronautical information, for a specific geographic area. TIBS is intended as a preliminary or supplemental source of information and does not replace a standard weather briefing from a Flight Service specialist.
Plain English
A recorded phone message, run by Flight Service, that gives a quick overview of the weather for an area or route. You call a number, listen to the recording, and get a general picture before talking to a briefer.
Context Anchor
Seen in older FAA weather-source discussions and preflight planning material, especially when describing ways pilots could get weather information by telephone.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots reliable access to essential weather data in areas without internet or radio reception, supporting safe go/no-go decisions.
Analogy
TIBS was like calling a recorded information line: useful for a quick update, but not the same as asking a knowledgeable person about your specific trip.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the word “briefing” means a complete, personal preflight briefing here. TIBS was recorded general information, not a tailored one-on-one briefing for your exact flight.
Example Sentence 1
Before calling Flight Service for a full briefing, the pilot listened to the TIBS recording to get a quick read on weather along the route.
Example Sentence 2
TIBS delivered the METAR and TAF information needed for planning the route.