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ATIS – Automated Terminal Information System
ATIS, is a repeated broadcast about basic weather information, runways in
use, and any special information such as closed taxiways or runways.
ASOS/AWOS – Automated Surface Observing System/Automated Weather
Observing System
This system is similar to ATIS but usually located at un-towered airports.
Approach Control & Departure Control
These air traffic radar controllers coordinate all flight operations in the vicinity
of busy metropolitan airport areas.
ARTCC – Air Route Traffic Control Center
When you hear a pilot talking with "Jacksonville Center" or "Indianapolis
Center", you know the aircraft is really enroute on a flight rather than just
leaving or just approaching a destination. A pilot will be in touch with several
different "Regional Centers" during a cross-country flight.
CTAF – Common Traffic Advisory Frequency
Airports without control towers are controlled by the pilots themselves and
they rely on the local CTAF frequency dedicated only to advisory
communications between pilots and ground personnel such as fuel service
operators. The people on the ground can advise the pilot on the status of
incoming or outgoing aircraft, but the pilot remains responsible for landing and
takeoff decisions. Typical CTAF frequencies are 122.7, 122.8 and 123.0 MHz.
Unicom frequencies are used at manned towered airports for day to day
businesses at 122.75, 122.85, and 122.95 MHz.
FSS - FAA Flight Service Stations
The FAA's network of Flight Service Stations keeps track of flight plans and
provides weather briefings and other services to pilots. Some advisory radio
communication takes place between pilots and a regional "FSS". If there is an
FSS in your local area, but no airport control towers, the FSS radio frequency
will stay interesting. Typical frequencies are 122.1, 122.6, and 123.6 MHz.
Pilots always address the FSS by calling the FSS name followed by "Radio".
ELT – Emergency Locator Transmitters
Emergency and guard channels are used by airplanes in flight operations
during an emergency or talking on official business and can be heard on
121.5MHz.
ACARS - Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System
ACARS is a digital VHF radio data link which allows airline flight operations
departments to communicate with the various aircraft in their fleet. ACARS is
used by many civilian and business aircraft and is similar to "email for
airplanes". Each aircraft has its own unique address in the system. Traffic is
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