What does the ATIS broadcast provide to pilots at towered airports?

The ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) broadcast is a continuous loop of recorded information that provides essential information to pilots at towered airports. The primary purpose of ATIS is to convey a variety of important data that helps pilots prepare for takeoff and landing.

Among the critical information provided by ATIS are the current weather conditions, including temperature, wind direction and speed, visibility, and significant weather phenomena. Additionally, ATIS broadcasts include details about runways in use, which informs pilots about which active runways they should expect for takeoffs and landings. This helps establish communication consistency between pilots and the air traffic control (ATC) tower.

Moreover, ATIS broadcasts feature important NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), which alert pilots to relevant operational changes or hazards that affect airport operations. For example, this information could include runway closures, taxiway restrictions, or temporary flight restrictions.

While there are many different aspects of airport operations, the focus of ATIS is to provide this comprehensive package of essential information, which is why the choice regarding runways in use and current NOTAMs is the correct answer. Other options, such as updates on passenger boarding or information about other aircraft, do not fall under the primary functions of