AIM
4/3/14
4−1−8
Services Available to Pilots
made on the broadcast, “the weather is better than
5000 and 5,” or the existing weather may be broadcast.
f.
Controllers will issue pertinent information to
pilots who do not acknowledge receipt of a broadcast
or who acknowledge receipt of a broadcast which is
not current.
g.
To serve frequency limited aircraft, FSSs are
equipped to transmit on the omnirange frequency at
most en route VORs used as ATIS voice outlets. Such
communication interrupts the ATIS broadcast. Pilots
of aircraft equipped to receive on other FSS
frequencies are encouraged to do so in order that these
override transmissions may be kept to an absolute
minimum.
h.
While it is a good operating practice for pilots
to make use of the ATIS broadcast where it is
available, some pilots use the phrase “have numbers”
in communications with the control tower. Use of this
phrase means that the pilot has received wind,
runway, and altimeter information ONLY and the
tower does not have to repeat this information. It does
not indicate receipt of the ATIS broadcast and should
never be used for this purpose.
4
−
1
−
14. Automatic Flight Information
Service (AFIS)
−
Alaska FSSs Only
a.
Alaska FSSs AFIS is the continuous broadcast
of recorded noncontrol information at airports in
Alaska where a Flight Service Station (FSS) provides
local airport advisory service. Its purpose is to
improve FSS Specialist efficiency by reducing
frequency congestion on the local airport advisory
frequency. The AFIS broadcast will automate the
repetitive transmission of essential but routine
information (weather, favored runway, breaking
action, airport NOTAMs, other applicable informa-
tion). The information is continuously broadcast over
a discrete VHF radio frequency (usually the ASOS
frequency). Use of AFIS is not mandatory, but pilots
who choose to utilize two−way radio communica-
tions with the FSS are urged to listen to AFIS, as it
relieves frequency congestion on the local airport
advisory frequency. AFIS broadcasts are updated
upon the receipt of any official hourly and special
weather, worsening braking action reports, and
changes in other pertinent data. When a pilot
acknowledges receipt of the AFIS broadcast, FSS
Specialists may omit those items contained in the
broadcast if they are current. When rapidly changing
conditions exist, the latest ceiling, visibility,
altimeter, wind or other conditions may be omitted
from the AFIS and will be issued by the Flight Service
Specialist on the appropriate radio frequency.
EXAMPLE
−
“Kotzebue information ALPHA. One six five five zulu.
Wind, two one zero at five; visibility two, fog; ceiling one
hundred overcast; temperature minus one two, dew point
minus one four; altimeter three one zero five. Altimeter in
excess of three one zero zero, high pressure altimeter
setting procedures are in effect. Favored runway two six.
Weather in Kotzebue surface area is below V
−F−R
minima
− an ATC clearance is required. Contact
Kotzebue Radio on 123.6 for traffic advisories and advise
intentions. Notice to Airmen, Hotham NDB out of service.
Transcribed Weather Broadcast out of service. Advise on
initial contact you have ALPHA.”
NOTE
−
The absence of a sky condition or ceiling and/or visibility
on Alaska FSS AFIS indicates a sky condition or ceiling of
5,000 feet or above and visibility of 5 miles or more. A
remark may be made on the broadcast, “the weather is
better than 5000 and 5.”
b.
Pilots should listen to Alaska FSSs AFIS
broadcasts whenever Alaska FSSs AFIS is in
operation.
NOTE
−
Some Alaska FSSs are open part time and/or seasonally.
c.
Pilots should notify controllers on initial
contact that they have received the Alaska FSSs
AFIS broadcast by repeating the phonetic alphabetic
letter appended to the broadcast.
EXAMPLE
−
“Information Alpha received.”
d.
While it is a good operating practice for pilots
to make use of the Alaska FSS AFIS broadcast where
it is available, some pilots use the phrase “have
numbers” in communications with the FSS. Use of
this phrase means that the pilot has received wind,
runway, and altimeter information ONLY and the
Alaska FSS does not have to repeat this information.
It does not indicate receipt of the AFIS broadcast and
should never be used for this purpose.
4
−
1
−
15. Radar Traffic Information Service
This is a service provided by radar ATC facilities.
Pilots receiving this service are advised of any radar
target observed on the radar display which may be in
such proximity to the position of their aircraft or its
intended route of flight that it warrants their attention.