11/3/22
AIM
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.
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14. Automatic Flight Information
Service (AFIS)
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Alaska FSSs Only
a.
AFIS is the continuous broadcast of recorded
non
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control information at airports in Alaska where
an FSS provides local airport advisory service. Its
purpose is to improve FSS specialist efficiency by
reducing frequency congestion on the local airport
advisory frequency.
1.
The AFIS broadcast will automate the
repetitive transmission of essential but routine
information (for example, weather, favored runway,
braking action, airport NOTAMs, etc.). The informa-
tion is continuously broadcast over a discrete VHF
radio frequency (usually the ASOS frequency).
2.
Use of AFIS is not mandatory, but pilots who
choose to utilize two
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way radio communications
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 receipt
of any official hourly and special weather, and
changes in other pertinent data.
3.
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 FSS specialist on the appropriate radio frequency.
EXAMPLE
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“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
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F
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R
minima
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an ATC clearance is required. Contact
Kotzebue Radio on 123.6 for traffic advisories and advise
intentions. Notice to Air Missions, Hotham NDB out of
service. Transcribed Weather Broadcast out of service.
Advise on initial contact you have ALPHA.”
NOTE
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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
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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
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“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.
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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.
This service is not intended to relieve the pilot of the
responsibility for continual vigilance to see and avoid
other aircraft.
a. Purpose of the Service
1.
The issuance of traffic information as
observed on a radar display is based on the principle
of assisting and advising a pilot that a particular radar
target’s position and track indicates it may intersect or
pass in such proximity to that pilot’s intended flight
path that it warrants attention. This is to alert the pilot
to the traffic, to be on the lookout for it, and thereby
be in a better position to take appropriate action
should the need arise.
Services Available to Pilots
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