Final answer:
ATIS messages provide vital flight and operational information to pilots, including weather, active runways, and instrument approaches, as well as any NOTAMs in effect. Pilots are instructed to acknowledge receipt of the ATIS information when they first contact ATC or FSS.
Step-by-step explanation:
ATIS messages, which stand for Automatic Terminal Information Service messages, are broadcasts that provide important information to pilots. These messages consist of the following elements:
- Time of the ATIS record and message code letter.
- Weather information, including temperature, wind direction, and speed.
- Type of instrument approach in use for arriving aircraft.
- Special operations information, applicable to both IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) and VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations.
- The active or in-use runway, also for both IFR and VFR.
- A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) or an excerpt from a NOTAM which may affect operations.
- Instructions that aircraft are to acknowledge receipt of the ATIS broadcast on initial contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) or Flight Service Station (FSS).
This information is crucial for pilots for flight planning and inflight decision-making. Correctly understanding and using the ATIS broadcast can greatly enhance the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.