What is the purpose of ATIS in aviation?

The purpose of ATIS, or Automatic Terminal Information Service, is to continuously broadcast recorded information to pilots. This service provides essential data regarding current weather conditions, active runways, available approaches, and other relevant information at a specific airport. By broadcasting this information on a dedicated frequency, ATIS helps to ensure that pilots are well-informed before they arrive or depart, allowing them to make better decisions concerning flight operations.

This consistent updating and availability of information significantly enhances safety and efficiency, as it reduces the need for pilots to ask air traffic control for basic information repeatedly. Thus, receiving the ATIS broadcast enables pilots to concentrate on other aspects of their flight and traverses airspace with greater awareness of airport conditions.