AIS & Publications

Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) and Core Publications for Air Law and ATPL Exams

Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) ensure pilots and operators receive accurate, timely, and standardized information essential for flight planning and safe operations. Under ICAO provisions (Annex 15/PANS), AIS delivers an integrated aeronautical information package that includes the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) with an amendment service, AIP Supplements (AIP SUP), NOTAM and the Pre-flight Information Bulletin (PIB), Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC), plus checklists and summaries. Operationally significant changes are promulgated using the AIRAC system—an advance notification process based on common 28‑day effective dates—so that procedures, charts, and aircraft systems databases can be updated in sync. When a change is issued via AIRAC, it is explicitly identified by the acronym AIRAC.

The AIP is structured into three parts: GEN, ENR, and AD. The GEN section covers general information such as location indicators, the provision of SIGMET services, and a brief description of search and rescue (SAR) responsibilities. The ENR section addresses en‑route matters including holding, approach, and departure procedures, and details of prohibited, restricted, and danger areas. The AD section provides aerodrome-specific data, such as refuelling facilities and available fuel grades. Long-duration or significant temporary changes—such as a runway closure lasting a year for maintenance—are published by NOTAM and supported by an AIP Supplement to ensure both immediate awareness and structured reference in the AIP framework.

AIS also manages specialized notices. An AIC conveys information on flight safety, air navigation, and regulatory or administrative matters that are not urgent enough for NOTAM. A dedicated NOTAM series, the ASHTAM, is issued for volcano-related hazards, including eruptions and volcanic ash clouds; volcanic alert levels use a color code, with RED indicating an eruption in progress or likely, with ash at/above FL250 or expected to rise above it. Meteorological hazard reporting is two-tiered: SIGMET messages cover significant en‑route weather phenomena, while an AIRMET alerts low‑level traffic to hazards not already forecast. ATIS broadcasts must be updated immediately when a significant change occurs, and ATIS audio shall not be transmitted on the voice channel of an ILS. Runway condition reporting may include braking action or friction coefficients; a value of 0.25 and below is classified as poor (note: many states now use the ICAO Global Reporting Format alongside or instead of friction values). In instrument procedure design (Doc 8168), the Obstacle Identification Surface (OIS) provides critical protection criteria for departures and approaches.

What this question bank covers

• Structure and use of the AIP (GEN, ENR, AD), including where to find SIGMET, SAR, location indicators, procedures, airspace restrictions, and fuel/handling information.
• AIRAC cycle principles, lead times, and how operationally significant changes are promulgated and identified.
• NOTAM, AIP SUP, AIC, PIB, and ASHTAM: purpose, scope, and when each is used (e.g., long-term runway closures, volcanic ash alerts and color codes).
• Meteorological operational information: SIGMET vs AIRMET, ATIS update requirements, and limitations (no ATIS on ILS voice channel).
• Runway condition and braking action terminology (e.g., friction coefficient ≤0.25 = poor) and key procedure design terms like OIS from Doc 8168.