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This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
The Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) is a continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information at airports. It provides arriving and departing crews with current airport conditions without requiring them to contact a controller for routine information. A standard ATIS message includes the current altimeter setting, active runway(s), wind direction and speed, visibility, cloud cover, temperature and dew point, NOTAM highlights affecting operations, and any special notices such as taxiway closures or equipment outages. ATIS broadcasts are identified by a sequential phonetic alphabet code (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and so on), which cycles back to Alpha after each update. Pilots are expected to obtain the current ATIS before initial contact with ATC at the destination and to include the ATIS identifier in their initial call - for example, “information Bravo received.” This confirms to the controller that the crew has current airport information and eliminates the need for the controller to relay it. When the ATIS is updated due to a significant change (such as a new altimeter, runway change, or weather shift), a new letter is assigned and crews should obtain the updated information before landing. At some airports, separate D-ATIS (digital ATIS) is available via ACARS datalink.

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In Virtual Airline Operations

At Virtual Air Canada Airline, obtaining the ATIS before contacting ATC is a standard preflight and pre-arrival step documented in the AOPS flight deck SOPs. On VATSIM, active controllers typically broadcast a text ATIS that can be viewed through the pilot client. Checking the ATIS ensures you have the correct QNH for your altimeter setting and are aware of the active runway configuration before joining the approach sequence.
  • ATC - Air Traffic Control
  • ACARS - Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System
  • NOTAM - Notice to Air Missions