Section 7, Chapter 3 - Aeronautical Information Service

Question 1

What are the primary functions and responsibilities of the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS)?

Answer 1

The AIS:

• Receives, collates, assembles, edits, formats, publishes, stores, and distributes aeronautical data and information for the State’s territory and areas over the high seas for which the State provides ATS.
• Ensures aeronautical data and information are available for:
  1. Personnel involved in flight operations (flight crews, flight planning, flight simulators)
  2. ATS providers responsible for flight information service
  3. Services responsible for pre-flight information
• Provides aeronautical data and information as aeronautical information products.

The area of responsibility for the UK AIS and information on Foreign AIS Products are published in UK AIP GEN 3.1, paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2. The regulation of UK AIS is described in CAP 779 Regulation of Aeronautical Information Management Services.

Question 2

What are the components of ‘Aeronautical Information Products,’ and where can UK aeronautical information products be found?

Answer 2

‘Aeronautical Information Product’ includes:

• Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), including Amendments and Supplements
• Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC)
• Aeronautical charts
• NOTAM
• Digital data sets

All UK aeronautical information products are available via the UK AIS website (www.ais.org.uk), with NOTAM available as Pre-flight Information Bulletins (PIB). Additional details on these products, including formats, numbering systems, promulgation schedules, and submission processes, can be found in UK AIP sections GEN 3.1 and GEN 3.2.

Question 3

How can amendments to aeronautical information products be submitted?

Answer 3

• AIP Amendments, AIP Supplements, AICs, and Permanent NOTAM can be submitted by Authorized Sources via the Aurora Data Originators Portal (www.aurora.nats.co.uk).
• NOTAM proposals should be submitted by AFS (EUECYIYP). If unable to use this method, proposals can be sent to the AIS Generic Email (eg_notamprop@ead.eurocontrol.int).
• Comprehensive UK AIS NOTAM Guidance Material for NOTAM Sponsors is available on the AIS website.

Question 4

What is the process for distributing AIRAC AIP amendments?

Answer 4

AIRAC AIP amendments are distributed by AIS at least 42 days in advance of the AIRAC effective dates, aiming to reach users at least 28 days before the effective date. These amendments are published every 28 days according to the AIRAC schedule available on the AIS website and in UK AIP GEN 3.1 section 4 AIRAC System.

Question 5

How often are AIP Supplements and Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC) published, and where can the publication schedule be found?

Answer 5

Temporary changes to the AIP (AIP Supplements) and Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC) are normally published every 28 days. The publication schedule (‘AIC and SUP Schedule’) is available on the AIS website.

Question 6

What types of changes are published via NOTAM, and what are ‘Trigger NOTAM’ used for?

Answer 6

• NOTAM are used for changes of a temporary nature and short duration, operationally significant permanent changes, or temporary changes of long duration made at short notice.
• ‘Trigger NOTAM’ are provided for specific changes to the AIP published as an AIP amendment or a Supplement.

Question 7

Who are the authorized sources of aeronautical information, and what are their responsibilities?

Answer 7

• The UK AIP is derived from various parties that submit information to the AIS provider (AISP) for publication.
• Authorized Sources and the information they are responsible for are listed in CAP 1054, Annex A.
• The Authorized Source is the person nominated to represent the organization accountable for the published aeronautical information.
• Authorized Sources can nominate AIP Sponsors to submit changes within a defined scope.
• All parties must have formal arrangements with the AIS provider for the provision of aeronautical data/information.

Question 8

Where can AIS contact details and service hours be found, and what is the purpose of the AIS information line?

Answer 8

• AIS contact details and service hours for principal UK AIS sections are detailed in Appendix E and the UK AIP GEN 3.1, paragraph 1.3.
• The AIS information line provides a voice recorded message system to supplement information on the AIS website, covering temporary restricted areas, airspace upgrades, and emergency restrictions of flying. It is not a substitute for a full pre-flight briefing.