Establishing Communications

INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES WORKBOOK

CHAPTER EIGHT

The continuous broadcast of recorded noncontrol information in selected terminal areas. Its

purpose is to improve controller effectiveness and to relieve frequency congestion by automating

the repetitive transmission of essential but routine information, e.g., "Los Angeles Information

Alpha. One three zero zero Coordinated Universal Time weather, measured ceiling 2000

overcast, visibility three, haze, smoke, temperature seven one, dewpoint five seven, wind two

five zero at five, altimeter two niner niner six. ILS Runway two five left approach in use,

runway two five right closed, advise you have Alpha."

ATIS information includes the time of the latest weather sequence, ceiling, visibility,

obstructions to visibility, temperature, dew point (if available), wind direction (magnetic) and

velocity, altimeter, other pertinent remarks, instrument approach, and runway in use. The

ceiling/sky condition, visibility, and obstructions to vision may be omitted from the ATIS

broadcast if the ceiling is above 5000 feet and the visibility is more than five miles. ATIS is

continuously broadcast on the voice feature of a TVOR/VOR/ VORTAC located on or near the

airport or on a discrete VHF/UHF frequency. The departure runway will be given if different

from the landing runway except at locations having a separate ATIS for departure. The

broadcast may include the appropriate frequency and instructions for VFR arrivals to make

initial contact with Approach Control. The aircrew of aircraft arriving at or departing from the

terminal area can receive the continuous ATIS broadcast at times when cockpit duties permit,

and may listen to as many repeats as desired. ATIS broadcast shall be updated upon the receipt

of any official hourly and special weather information. A new recording will also be made when

there is a change in other pertinent data such as runway change, instrument approach in use, etc.

UNICOM

A non-government communications facility which may provide airport advisory information at

certain airports. Locations and frequencies of UNICOMs are shown on aeronautical charts and

publications.

804. ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATIONS

Initial Contact

The term "initial contact" means the first radio call you make to a facility or the first call to a

different controller/FSS specialist within a facility. When no previous communications exist,

communications must be established prior to message transmission (except for very short

messages such as checking-in after a hand-off). These are called "courtesy calls" when a

detailed or lengthy message is to follow.

Use the following format:

Addressee

Aircraft identification

type of message to follow or your request

INTRODUCTION TO GROUND, AIRBORNE, LOST COMMUNICATION, AND

EMERGENCY VOICE PROCEDURES 8-9