Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/469
(a) Flight information service shall be provided by the appropriate air traffic services units to all aircraft which are likely to be affected by the information and which are in either of the following situations:
(1) provided with air traffic control service;
(2) otherwise known to the relevant air traffic services units.
(b) Where air traffic services units provide both flight information service and air traffic control service, the provision of air traffic control service shall have precedence over the provision of flight information service whenever the provision of air traffic control service so requires.
(c) A flight information service provider shall establish arrangements for:
(1) recording and transmission of information on the progress of flights;
(2) coordination and transfer of responsibility for the provision of flight information service.
GM1 ATS.TR.300(a)(2) Application
ED Decision 2020/008/R
PROVISION OF FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE TO AIRCRAFT OTHERWISE KNOWN TO AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES
In the context of flight information service, the expression ‘otherwise known to the relevant air traffic service unit’ transposed from the Standard in Section 4.1 of ICAO Annex 11, covers the cases when the aircraft is operating within uncontrolled airspace, where there are no requirements for the submission of a flight plan or for a continuous air-ground two-way communication with the air traffic services unit in charge of providing services in that portion of airspace. Therefore, the expression may be interpreted as traffic, the current flight details and intentions of which are known to the air traffic controllers/FIS officer/AFIS officer.
ED Decision 2020/008/R
It is recognised that in certain circumstances an aircraft on final approach, landing, take-off and climb may require to receive without delay essential information other than that pertaining to the air traffic control service provision.
AMC1 ATS.TR.300(c)(1) Application
ED Decision 2020/008/R
RECORDING AND TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION ON THE PROGRESS OF FLIGHTS
Information on the actual progress of flights, including those of heavy or medium unmanned free balloons, under neither air traffic control service nor air traffic advisory service should be:
(a) recorded by the air traffic services unit serving the FIR within which the aircraft is flying in such a manner that it is available for reference and in case it is requested for alerting service and search and rescue action; and
(b) transmitted by the air traffic services unit receiving the information to other air traffic services units concerned, when so required for the purposes of the coordination between air traffic services units providing flight information service in adjacent FIRs in respect of IFR and VFR flights (see points (a) and (b) of GM2 ATS.TR.300(c)(2)).
GM1 to AMC1 ATS.TR.300(c)(1) Application
ED Decision 2020/008/R
RECORDING AND TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION ON THE PROGRESS OF FLIGHTS
(a) Information on the progress of flights, including flight plan data, may be recorded through the use of paper flight progress strips or electronic flight progress strips, by other electronic presentation forms or by a combination of presentation methods.
(b) The air traffic services provider should specify the procedures for annotating data and provisions specifying the types of data to be entered on flight progress strips, including the use of symbols.
GM1 ATS.TR.300(c)(2) Application
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION EXCHANGE IN CASE OF TERMINATION OF A CONTROLLED FLIGHT
In the case where a flight ceases to be operated as a controlled flight, i.e. by leaving controlled airspace or by cancelling its IFR flight and proceeding on VFR in airspace where VFR flights are not controlled, the air traffic control unit concerned should ensure that appropriate information on the flight is forwarded to air traffic services unit(s) responsible for the provision of flight information and alerting services for the remaining portion of the flight, in order to ensure that such services will be provided to the aircraft.
GM2 ATS.TR.300(c)(2) Application
ED Decision 2020/008/R
COORDINATION IN RESPECT OF THE PROVISION OF FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE AND ALERTING SERVICE
(a) Coordination between air traffic services units providing flight information service in adjacent FIRs should be effected in respect of IFR and VFR flights, in order to ensure continued flight information service to such aircraft in specified areas or along specified routes. Such coordination should be effected in accordance with an agreement between the air traffic services units concerned.
(b) The coordination of flights effected in accordance with point (a) should include transmission of the following information on the flight concerned:
(1) appropriate items of the current flight plan; and
(2) the time at which last contact was made with the aircraft concerned.
(c) This information should be forwarded to the air traffic services unit in charge of the next FIR in which the aircraft will operate prior to the aircraft entering such FIR.
(d) In order to assist in the identification of strayed or unidentified aircraft and thereby eliminate or reduce the need for interception, flight plan and flight progress information for flights along specified routes or portions of routes in close proximity to FIR boundaries should also be provided to the air traffic services units in charge of the FIRs adjacent to such routes or portions of routes.
(e) In circumstances where an aircraft has declared minimum fuel or is experiencing an emergency or in any other situation wherein the safety of the aircraft is not assured, the type of emergency and/or the circumstances experienced by the aircraft should be reported by the transferring unit to the accepting control unit and any other air traffic services unit that may be concerned with the flight and to the associated rescue coordination centres, if necessary.
ATS.TR.305 Scope of flight information service
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/469
(a) Flight information service shall include the provision of pertinent:
(1) SIGMET and AIRMET information;
(2) information concerning pre-eruption volcanic activity, volcanic eruptions and volcanic ash clouds;
(3) information concerning the release into the atmosphere of radioactive materials or toxic chemicals;
(4) information on changes in the availability of radio navigation services;
(5) information on changes in the condition of aerodromes and associated facilities, including information on the state of the aerodrome movement areas when they are affected by snow, ice or significant depth of water;
(6) information on unmanned free balloons;
(7) information on abnormal aircraft configuration and condition;
(8) any other information likely to affect safety.
(b) Flight information service provided to flights shall include, in addition to that outlined in point (a), the provision of information concerning:
(1) weather conditions reported or forecast at departure, destination and alternate aerodromes;
(2) collision hazards, to aircraft operating in airspace Classes C, D, E, F and G;
(3) for flight over water areas, in so far as practicable and when requested by a pilot, any available information such as radio call sign, position, true track, speed, etc. of surface vessels in the area;
(4) messages, including clearances, received from other air traffic services units to relay to aircraft.
(c) AFIS provided to flights shall include, in addition to relevant items outlined in points (a) and (b), the provision of information concerning:
(1) collision hazards with aircraft, vehicles and persons operating on the manoeuvring area;
(2) the runway-in-use.
(d) Air traffic services units shall transmit, as soon as practicable, special and non-routine air-reports to:
(1) other aircraft concerned;
(2) the associated meteorological watch office in accordance with Appendix 5 to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012;
(3) other air traffic services units concerned.
Transmissions to aircraft shall be repeated at a frequency and continued for a period of time which shall be determined by the air traffic services unit concerned.
(e) Flight information service provided to VFR flights shall include, in addition to that outlined in point (a), the provision of available information concerning traffic and weather conditions along the route of flight that are likely to make operation under the visual flight rules impracticable.
(f) When so prescribed by the competent authority, the AFIS unit shall manage the movement of vehicles and persons on the manoeuvring area in accordance with the set or subset of provisions in point ATS.TR.240.
AMC1 ATS.TR.305 Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/017/R
TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION
(a) Means of transmission
(1) Information should be disseminated to aircraft by one or more of the following means:
(i) the preferred method of directed transmission on the initiative of the appropriate air traffic services unit to an aircraft, ensuring that receipt is acknowledged; or
(ii) general call, unacknowledged transmission to all aircraft concerned; or
(iii) broadcast; or
(iv) data link.
(2) The use of general calls should be limited to cases where it is necessary to disseminate essential information to several aircraft without delay, e.g. the sudden occurrence of hazards, a change of the runway-in-use, or the failure of a key approach and landing aid.
(b) Transmission of special air-reports, SIGMET and AIRMET information
(1) Appropriate SIGMET and AIRMET information, as well as special air-reports which have not been used for the preparation of a SIGMET, should be disseminated to aircraft by one or more of the means specified in point (a) as established by the competent authority. Special air-reports should be transmitted with the least possible delay and disseminated to aircraft for a period of 60 minutes after their issuance.
(2) The special air-report, SIGMET and AIRMET information to be passed on to aircraft on ground initiative should cover a portion of the route up to 1 hour’s flying time ahead of the aircraft.
(c) Transmission of information concerning volcanic activity
Information concerning pre-eruption volcanic activity, volcanic eruptions and volcanic ash clouds (position of clouds and flight levels affected) should be disseminated to aircraft by one or more of the means specified in point (a) as established by the competent authority.
(d) Transmission of information concerning radioactive materials and toxic chemical clouds
Information on the release into the atmosphere of radioactive materials or toxic chemicals which could affect airspace within the area of responsibility of the air traffic services unit should be transmitted to aircraft by one or more of the means specified in point (a).
(e) Transmission of local special reports, SPECI and amended TAF
(1) Special reports and amended TAF should be transmitted on request and supplemented by:
(i) directed transmission from the appropriate air traffic services unit of selected special reports and amended TAF for the departure, destination and its alternate aerodromes, as listed in the flight plan; or
(ii) a general call on appropriate frequencies for the unacknowledged transmission to affected aircraft of selected special reports and amended TAF; or
(iii) continuous or frequent broadcast or the use of data link to make available current METAR and TAF in areas determined on the basis of regional air navigation agreements where traffic congestion dictates. VOLMET broadcasts and/or D-VOLMET should be used to serve this purpose.
(2) The passing of amended aerodrome forecasts to aircraft on the initiative of the appropriate air traffic services unit should be limited to that portion of the flight where the aircraft is within a specified time from the aerodrome of destination, such time being established on the basis of regional air navigation agreements.
(3) SPECI should, when issued for aerodromes not serving scheduled commercial air transport, be transmitted on request.
(f) Transmission of information on heavy or medium unmanned free balloons
Appropriate information on heavy or medium unmanned free balloons should be disseminated to aircraft by one or more of the means specified in point (a).
(g) Transmission of information to supersonic aircraft
The following information should be available at appropriate ACCs or flight information centres for aerodromes determined by the competent authority and should be transmitted on request to supersonic aircraft prior to commencement of deceleration/descent from supersonic cruise:
(1) current meteorological reports and forecasts, except that where communications difficulties are encountered under conditions of poor propagation, the elements transmitted may be limited to:
(i) mean surface wind, direction and speed (including gusts);
(ii) visibility or RVR;
(iii) amount and height of base of low clouds;
(iv) other significant information; and
(v) if appropriate, information regarding expected changes;
(2) operationally significant information on the status of facilities relating to the runway-in-use, including the precision approach category in the event that the lowest approach category promulgated for the runway is not available; and
(3) sufficient information on the runway surface conditions to permit assessment of the runway braking action.
GM1 ATS.TR.305 Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/017/R
PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION FOR THE PROVISION OF FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE
(a) The air traffic services provider should consider the manner in which data and information are provided to the FIS officer/AFIS officer, paying particular attention, where applicable, to the method of representing the air traffic situation to the FIS officer/AFIS officer and taking into account human performance. Additional guidance on human performance may be found in ICAO Doc 9683 ‘Human Factors Training Manual’.
(b) All information and data, including data related to individual aircraft, should be presented in a manner which minimises the potential for misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
(c) Where used, data generated automatically should be presented to the FIS officer/AFIS officer in a timely manner. The presentation of information and data for individual flights should continue until such time as the data is no longer required for the purpose of providing flight information service, or until terminated by the FIS officer/AFIS officer.
(d) Information displays may be generated and updated automatically, or the data may be entered and updated by authorised personnel.
AMC1 ATS.TR.305(a);(b) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION FOR DEPARTING AIRCRAFT — METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Information regarding significant changes in the meteorological conditions in the take-off or climb-out area, obtained by the unit providing approach control service after a departing aircraft has established communication with such unit, should be transmitted to the aircraft without delay, except when it is known that the aircraft already has received the information.
GM1 to AMC1 ATS.TR.305(a);(b) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION FOR DEPARTING AIRCRAFT — METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Significant changes in this context include those relating to surface wind direction or speed, visibility, RVR or air temperature (for turbine-engined aircraft), and the occurrence of thunderstorm or cumulonimbus, moderate or severe turbulence, wind shear, hail, moderate or severe icing, severe squall line, freezing precipitation, severe mountain waves, sandstorm, dust storm, blowing snow, tornado or waterspout.
GM1 ATS.TR.305(a);(b);(c) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION TO AIRCRAFT BY AFIS UNITS — AERODROME AND METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
(a) Prior to taxiing for take-off, the AFIS unit should advise aircraft of the following elements of information, in the order listed, with the exception of such elements which are known to have been already received by the aircraft:
(1) the runway-in-use;
(2) the surface wind direction and speed, including significant variations therefrom;
(3) the QNH altimeter setting and, either on a regular basis in accordance with local arrangements or if so requested by the aircraft, the QFE altimeter setting;
(4) the air temperature for the runway-in-use, in the case of turbine-engined aircraft;
(5) the visibility representative of the direction of take-off and initial climb, if less than 10 km, or, when applicable, the RVR value(s) for the runway-in-use; and
(6) the correct time.
(b) Prior to take-off, the AFIS unit should advise aircraft of:
(1) any significant changes in the surface wind direction and speed, the air temperature, and the visibility or RVR value(s) given in accordance with point (a); and
(2) significant meteorological conditions in the take-off and climb-out area, except when it is known that the information has already been received by the aircraft. ‘Significant meteorological conditions’ in this context include the occurrence or expected occurrence of cumulonimbus or thunderstorm, moderate or severe turbulence, wind shear, hail, moderate or severe icing, severe squall line, freezing precipitation, severe mountain waves, sandstorm, dust storm, blowing snow, tornado or waterspout in the take-off and climb-out area.
GM2 ATS.TR.305(a);(b);(c) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION TO AIRCRAFT BY AFIS UNITS — INFORMATION FOR ARRIVING AIRCRAFT
(a) Prior to entering the traffic circuit or commencing its approach to land, the AFIS unit should provide aircraft with the following elements of information, in the order listed, with the exception of such elements which are known to have been already received by the aircraft:
(1) the runway-in-use;
(2) the surface wind direction and speed, including significant variations therefrom; and
(3) the QNH altimeter setting and, either on a regular basis in accordance with local arrangements or if so requested by the aircraft, the QFE altimeter setting.
(b) For arriving IFR traffic that intends to conduct an instrument approach, the AFIS unit should, as early as practicable after an aircraft has established communication with the unit, transmit to the aircraft the following elements of information, in the order listed, with the exception of such elements which are known to have been already received by the aircraft :
(1) Runway-in-use; and
(2) Meteorological information, as follows:
(i) surface wind direction and speed, including significant variations therein;
(ii) visibility and, when applicable, RVR;
(iii) present weather;
(iv) cloud below 1 500 m (5 000 ft) or below the highest minimum sector altitude, whichever is greater; cumulonimbus; if the sky is obscured, vertical visibility when available;
(v) air temperature;
(vi) dew point temperature, inclusion determined on the basis of a regional air navigation agreement;
(vii) altimeter setting(s);
(viii) any available information on significant meteorological phenomena in the approach area; and
(ix) trend-type landing forecast, when available.
(c) For arriving IFR traffic conducting an instrument approach, at the commencement of final approach the AFIS unit should transmit the following information to the aircraft:
(1) significant variations in the mean surface wind direction and speed. ‘Significant variations’ are specified in point (a)(3) of MET.TR.205. However, if the AFIS unit transmits wind information in the form of components, the significant changes are:
(i) mean headwind component: 19 km/h (10 kt);
(ii) mean tailwind component: 4 km/h (2 kt); and
(iii) mean crosswind component: 9 km/h (5 kt);
(2) the latest information, if any, on wind shear and/or turbulence in the final approach area; and
(3) the current visibility representative of the direction of approach and landing or, when provided, the current RVR value(s) and the trend.
(d) For arriving IFR traffic conducting an instrument approach, during the final approach the AFIS unit should transmit without delay the following information to the aircraft:
(1) the sudden occurrence of hazards (e.g. unauthorised traffic on the runway);
(2) significant variations in the current surface wind, expressed in terms of minimum and maximum values;
(3) significant changes in runway surface conditions;
(4) changes in the operational status of required visual or non-visual aids;
(5) changes in observed RVR value(s), in accordance with the reported scale in use, or changes in the visibility representative of the direction of approach and landing.
GM3 ATS.TR.305(a);(b);(c) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
TRAFFIC INFORMATION TO AIRCRAFT IN THE AFIS CONTEXT
The AFIS unit should provide the following information, as appropriate:
(a) direction of flight of aircraft concerned;
(b) type and wake turbulence category (if known) of aircraft concerned;
(c) level of aircraft concerned, including possible changes;
(d) relative bearing of the aircraft concerned in terms of the 12-hour clock as well as distance from the conflicting traffic; or
(1) actual or estimated position of the aircraft concerned; or
(2) estimated times; and
(e) any other information considered relevant (e.g. approaching, crossing the flight information zone, estimated take-off or landing time).
GM4 ATS.TR.305(a);(b);(c) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
LOCAL TRAFFIC INFORMATION TO AIRCRAFT IN THE AFIS CONTEXT
AFIS units should issue traffic information on local traffic in a timely manner, either directly or through the unit providing approach control service when, in the judgement of the AFIS unit, such information is necessary in the interest of safety, or when requested by aircraft. Local traffic should be described so as to be easily identified by the pilot.
GM5 ATS.TR.305(a);(b);(c) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
WAKE TURBULENCE AND JET BLAST HAZARDS INFORMATION TO AIRCRAFT IN THE AFIS CONTEXT
(a) The responsibility for wake turbulence avoidance rests entirely with the pilot-in-command. AFIS units should, to the extent practicable, advise aircraft of the expected occurrence of hazards caused by turbulent wake. Such information will be provided by the warning ‘caution wake turbulence’ and may also include relevant information on the aircraft concerned.
(b) In providing information, AFIS units should take into account the hazards caused by jet blast, helicopter downwash turbulence and propeller slipstream to taxiing aircraft, to aircraft taking off or landing, particularly when intersecting runways are being used, and to vehicles and personnel operating on the aerodrome.
AMC1 ATS.TR.305(a)(5) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ON AERODROME CONDITIONS
Essential information on aerodrome conditions should be given to every aircraft, except when it is known that the aircraft has already received all or part of the information from other sources, including NOTAM(s), ATIS broadcasts, and the display of suitable signals. The information should be given in sufficient time for the aircraft to make proper use of it, and the hazards should be identified as distinctly as possible.
GM1 to AMC1 ATS.TR.305(a)(5) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ON AERODROME CONDITIONS
(a) Essential information on aerodrome conditions is information necessary to safety in the operation of aircraft, which pertains to the movement area or any facilities usually associated therewith. For example, construction work on a taxi strip not connected to the runway-in-use would not be essential information to any aircraft except one that might be taxied in the vicinity of the construction work. As another example, if all traffic must be confined to runways, that fact should be considered as essential aerodrome information to any aircraft not familiar with the aerodrome.
(b) Essential information on aerodrome conditions should include information relating to the following:
(1) construction or maintenance work on, or immediately adjacent to, the movement area;
(2) rough or broken surfaces on a runway, a taxiway or an apron, whether marked or not;
(3) water, snow, slush, ice or frost on a runway, a taxiway or an apron;
(4) anti-icing or de-icing liquid chemicals or other contaminants on a runway, taxiway or apron;
(5) other temporary hazards, including parked aircraft and birds on the ground or in the air;
(6) failure or irregular operation of part or all of the aerodrome lighting system; and
(7) any other pertinent information.
(c) Up-to-date information on the conditions on aprons may not always be available to the aerodrome control tower or to the AFIS unit. The responsibility of the aerodrome control tower or the AFIS unit in relation to aprons is, with respect to the provision of information as described in points (a) and (b), limited to the transmission to aircraft of the information which is provided to it by the operator responsible for the aprons.
AMC2 ATS.TR.305(a)(5) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION FOR DEPARTING AIRCRAFT — OPERATIONAL STATUS OF VISUAL AND NON-VISUAL AIDS
Information regarding changes in the operational status of visual or non-visual aids essential for take-off and climb should be transmitted without delay to a departing aircraft, except when it is known that the aircraft has already received the information.
GM1 ATS.TR.305(a)(6) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION ON UNMANNED FREE BALLOONS
(a) On receipt of notification of the intended flight of a medium or heavy unmanned free balloon, the air traffic services unit should arrange for the information to be disseminated to all concerned. The information should include:
(1) the balloon flight identification or project code name;
(2) balloon classification and description;
(3) SSR code or NDB frequency as applicable;
(4) the launch site;
(5) the estimated time of the commencement of the launch or the planned period of the launches;
(6) the expected direction of ascent;
(7) the cruising level(s) (pressure-altitude); and
(8) the estimated elapsed time to pass 18 000 m (60 000 ft) pressure-altitude, or to reach cruising level if at or below 18 000 m (60 000 ft), together with the estimated location.
(b) On receipt of notification that a medium or heavy unmanned free balloon has been launched, the air traffic services unit should arrange for the information to be disseminated to all concerned. The information should include:
(1) the balloon flight identification or project code name;
(2) balloon classification and description;
(3) SSR code or NDB frequency as applicable;
(4) the launch site;
(5) the time of launch(-es);
(6) the estimated time at which 18 000 m (60 000 ft) pressure-altitude will be passed, or the estimated time at which the cruising level will be reached if at or below 18 000 m (60 000 ft), and the estimated location;
(7) the estimated date and time of termination of the flight; and
(8) the planned location of ground contact, when applicable.
(c) When there is reasonable expectation that a heavy or medium unmanned free balloon will cross international borders, the appropriate air traffic services unit should arrange for the pre-launch and the launch notifications to be sent by NOTAM to the air traffic services unit(s) in the State(s) concerned. If agreed between the States concerned, the launch notification may be transmitted orally by direct ATS speech circuit between the ACCs/flight information centres involved.
AMC1 ATS.TR.305(a)(7) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION ON ABNORMAL AIRCRAFT CONFIGURATION AND CONDITION
(a) Whenever an abnormal configuration or condition of an aircraft, including conditions such as landing gear not extended or only partly extended, or unusual smoke emissions from any part of the aircraft, is observed by or reported to the aerodrome air traffic controller or the AFIS officer, the aircraft concerned should be advised without delay.
(b) When requested by the flight crew of a departing aircraft suspecting damage to the aircraft, the departure runway used should be inspected without delay and the flight crew advised in the most expeditious manner as to whether any aircraft debris or bird or animal remains have been found or not.
GM1 ATS.TR.305(a)(8) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION ON AIRSPACE RESERVATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
Flight information service should include the provision of relevant information on airspace restrictions and/or reservations, as also stipulated in Regulation (EC) No 2150/2005.
GM2 ATS.TR.305(a)(8) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION ON SPACE WEATHER
When available, information on space weather phenomena that have an impact on high-frequency radio communications, communications via satellite, GNSS-based navigation and surveillance systems, and/or pose a radiation risk to aircraft occupants at flight levels, within the area of responsibility of the air traffic services unit should be transmitted to the affected aircraft.
GM1 ATS.TR.305(b)(1) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION RELATED TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AT DEPARTURE, DESTINATION, AND ALTERNATE AERODROMES
Pilots normally obtain information on the weather conditions from the appropriate office before the flight. Outstanding or safety-relevant information is normally provided by radio communication when available.
GM1 ATS.TR.305(b)(2) and (c)(1) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION CONCERNING COLLISION HAZARDS
Information relating to collision hazards includes only known activities that constitute risks to the aircraft concerned. The availability of such information to air traffic services may sometimes be incomplete (e.g. limitations in radar or radio coverage, optional radio contact by pilots, limitations in the accuracy of reported information by pilots, or unconfirmed level of information) and, therefore, air traffic services cannot assume responsibility for its issuance at all times or for its accuracy.
GM2 ATS.TR.305(b)(2) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
ATS SURVEILLANCE SERVICE — INFORMATION REGARDING TRAFFIC ON CONFLICTING PATH
When an identified IFR flight operating outside controlled airspace is observed to be on a conflicting path with another aircraft, the pilot should, as far as practicable:
(a) be informed as to the need for collision avoidance action to be initiated, and if so requested by the pilot or if, in the opinion of the air traffic controller, the FIS officer or the AFIS officer, the situation warrants, a course of avoiding action should be suggested; and
(b) be notified when the conflict no longer exists.
GM1 ATS.TR.305(b)(4) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION TO AIRCRAFT BY AFIS UNITS — START-UP TIME PROCEDURES
(a) Start-up time procedures should be implemented where necessary to avoid congestion and excessive delays on the manoeuvring area or when warranted by ATFM regulations. Start-up time procedures should be contained in local instructions, and should specify the criteria and conditions for determining when and how start-up times shall be calculated and issued to departing flights.
(b) When an aircraft is subject to ATFM regulations, it should be advised to start up in accordance with its allocated slot time.
GM1 ATS.TR.305(c)(1) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
RUNWAY INCURSION OR OBSTRUCTED RUNWAY
In the event that the AFIS officer becomes aware of a runway incursion or the imminent occurrence thereof, or the existence of any obstruction on or in close proximity to the runway likely to impair the safety of an aircraft taking off or landing, appropriate action should be taken to inform the aircraft of the runway incursion or obstruction and its location in relation to the runway.
GM2 ATS.TR.305(c)(1) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
AFIS officers should maintain a continuous watch on all flight operations on and in the vicinity of an aerodrome as well as on vehicles and personnel on the manoeuvring area in order to fulfil the task described in point (c)(1) of ATS.TR.305.
GM1 ATS.TR.305(c)(2) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
RUNWAY-IN-USE AT AFIS AERODROMES
(a) Normally, an aircraft will land and take off into wind unless safety or other local factors determine that a different direction is preferable.
(b) In considering the most suitable runway-in-use for take-off and landing of aircraft, besides surface wind speed and direction, other relevant factors should be taken into consideration such as:
(1) runway configuration;
(2) meteorological conditions;
(3) instrument approach procedures;
(4) approach and landing aids available;
(5) aerodrome traffic circuits;
(6) airspace considerations;
(7) length of runways; and
(8) other factors indicated in local instructions.
(c) When AFIS officers provide information concerning the runway-in-use, it should be interpreted as a suggestion to the pilot on which would be the most suitable runway for take-off and landing, based on the information available. The decision on the selection and use of the runway is a responsibility of the pilot-in-command. A pilot-in-command can refuse a runway-in-use suggested by an AFIS officer. In such circumstances, AFIS officers should provide detailed information on other aerodrome traffic that is utilising the runway-in-use to assist the pilot in fulfilling their responsibilities under SERA.3205 of Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 when using an alternative runway.
GM1 ATS.TR.305(d)(3) Scope of flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
OTHER AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES UNITS CONCERNED
‘Other air traffic services units concerned’ are those that have flights under their jurisdiction which are expected to enter the airspace concerned at a later stage of flight. Those flights could, for instance, require rerouting before entering the airspace concerned. As an example, a special air-report concerning volcanic ash or volcanic eruption could be necessary to be transmitted to aircraft by air traffic services units in the FIR adjacent to that affected by that air-report.
ATS.TR.310 Voice-automatic terminal information service (Voice-ATIS) broadcasts
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/469
(a) Voice-automatic terminal information service (Voice-ATIS) broadcasts shall be provided at aerodromes where there is a requirement to reduce the communication load on the air traffic services VHF air-ground communication channels. When provided, they shall comprise either of the following:
(1) one broadcast serving arriving aircraft;
(2) one broadcast serving departing aircraft;
(3) one broadcast serving both arriving and departing aircraft;
(4) two broadcasts serving arriving and departing aircraft respectively at those aerodromes where the length of a broadcast serving both arriving and departing aircraft would be excessively long.
(b) A discrete VHF frequency shall, whenever practicable, be used for Voice-ATIS broadcasts. If a discrete frequency is not available, the transmission may be made on the voice channel or channels of the most appropriate terminal navigation aid or aids, preferably a VOR, provided the range and readability are adequate and the identification of the navigation aid is sequenced with the broadcast so that the latter is not obliterated.
(c) Voice-ATIS broadcasts shall not be transmitted on the voice channel of an ILS.
(d) Whenever Voice-ATIS is provided, the broadcast shall be continuous and repetitive.
(e) The information contained in the current broadcast shall immediately be made known to the air traffic services unit or units concerned with the provision to aircraft of information relating to approach, landing and take-off, whenever the message has not been prepared by that unit or those units.
(f) Voice-ATIS broadcasts provided at designated aerodromes for use by international air services shall be available in the English language as a minimum
GM1 ATS.TR.310 Voice-automatic terminal information service (Voice-ATIS) broadcasts
ED Decision 2020/008/R
ATIS BROADCAST MESSAGES
The Voice-ATIS broadcast message should, whenever practicable, not exceed 30 seconds, care being taken that the readability of the ATIS message is not impaired by the speed of the transmission or by the identification signal of a navigation aid used for transmission of ATIS. The ATIS broadcast message should take into consideration human performance. Additional guidance on human performance may be found in ICAO Doc 9683 ‘Human Factors Training Manual’
GM1 ATS.TR.310(f) Voice-automatic terminal information service (Voice-ATIS) broadcasts
ED Decision 2020/008/R
ATIS BROADCAST CHANNELS
Where Voice-ATIS broadcasts are available in more than one language, a discrete channel should be used for each language.
ATS.TR.315 Data link-automatic terminal information service (D-ATIS)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/469
(a) Where a D-ATIS supplements the existing availability of Voice-ATIS, the information shall be identical in both content and format to the applicable Voice-ATIS broadcast. Where real-time meteorological information is included but the data remains within the parameters of the significant change criteria established in points MET.TR.200(e) and (f) of Annex V, the content, for the purpose of maintaining the same designator, shall be considered identical.
(b) Where a D-ATIS supplements the existing availability of Voice-ATIS and the ATIS requires updating, Voice- ATIS and D-ATIS shall be updated simultaneously.
GM1 ATS.TR.315 Data link-automatic terminal information service (D-ATIS)
ED Decision 2020/008/R
Guidance material relating to D-ATIS is contained in ICAO Doc 9694 ‘Manual of Air Traffic Services Data Link Applications’.
ATS.TR.320 Automatic terminal information service (voice and/or data link)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/469
(a) Whenever Voice-ATIS or D-ATIS, or both, are provided:
(1) the information communicated shall relate to a single aerodrome;
(2) the information communicated shall be updated immediately when a significant change occurs;
(3) the preparation and dissemination of the ATIS message shall be the responsibility of the air traffic services provider;
(4) individual ATIS messages shall be identified by a designator in the form of a letter of the spelling alphabet in accordance with point SERA.14020 of the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012. Designators assigned to consecutive ATIS messages shall be in alphabetical order;
(5) aircraft shall acknowledge receipt of the information upon establishing communication with the air traffic services unit providing approach control service or the aerodrome control tower or AFIS unit, as appropriate;
(6) the appropriate air traffic services unit shall, when replying to the message in point (5) or, in the case of arriving aircraft, at such other time as may be prescribed by the competent authority, provide the aircraft with the current altimeter setting;
(7) the meteorological information shall be extracted from the local routine report or local special report.
(b) When rapidly changing meteorological conditions make it inadvisable to include the meteorological information as in point (a)(7) in the ATIS, the ATIS messages shall indicate that the relevant meteorological information will be given on initial contact with the appropriate air traffic services unit.
(c) Information contained in a current ATIS, the receipt of which has been acknowledged by the aircraft concerned, need not be included in a directed transmission to the aircraft, with the exception of the altimeter setting, which shall be provided in accordance with point (a).
(d) If an aircraft acknowledges receipt of an ATIS that is no longer current, the air traffic services unit shall without delay take either of the following actions:
(1) communicate to the aircraft any element of information which has to be updated;
(2) instruct the aircraft to obtain the current ATIS information.
GM1 ATS.TR.320 Automatic terminal information service (voice and/or data link)
ED Decision 2020/008/R
CONTENTS OF ATIS MESSAGES
(a) Contents of ATIS messages are established in SERA.9010 of Regulation (EU) No 923/2012, and more specifically:
(1) the elements of information of ATIS messages containing both arrival and departure information are specified in point (b) of SERA.9010, in the order listed.
(2) the elements of information ATIS messages containing arrival information only are specified in point (c) of SERA.9010, in the order listed; and
(3) the elements of information of ATIS messages containing departure information only are specified in point (d) of SERA.9010, in the order listed.
(b) Contents of ATIS messages should be kept as brief as possible.
(c) Information additional to that specified in SERA.9010 of Regulation (EU) No 923/2012, for example, information already available in AIPs and NOTAM, should only be included when justified in exceptional circumstances..
ATS.TR.325 VOLMET broadcasts and D-VOLMET broadcasts
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/469
When so prescribed by the competent authority, HF or VHF VOLMET broadcasts, or D-VOLMET service, or all of those, shall be provided, using standard radiotelephony phraseologies.
GM1 ATS.TR.325 VOLMET broadcasts and D-VOLMET broadcasts
ED Decision 2020/008/R
VOLMET BROADCAST PHRASEOLOGIES
Guidance on standard radiotelephony phraseologies to be used in VOLMET broadcasts is available in ICAO Doc 9377 ‘Manual on Coordination between Air Traffic Services, Aeronautical information Services and Aeronautical Meteorological Services’, Appendix 1.