Overview of FIS Officers
The Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) plays a crucial role in aviation by providing flight information and alerting services to aircraft in uncontrolled airspace (Class G) or at uncontrolled aerodromes. When working at an aerodrome, they are referred to as Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officers (AFISO). Though their position resembles that of an air traffic controller, their responsibilities and procedures are quite different.
Key Responsibilities
Unlike air traffic controllers, FISOs are not authorized to control air traffic. This means they do not handle collision avoidance or separation of aircraft. However, they can provide information about potentially conflicting traffic when available. They also relay clearances and instructions from air traffic controllers in nearby units but cannot issue these clearances themselves. Furthermore, while they are not responsible for ensuring terrain and obstacle clearance, they will inform pilots of any perceived terrain hazards, such as warnings from the Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) system.
In the UK, FISOs are limited to offering only a basic service in uncontrolled airspace, while controllers can provide additional services. Just like air traffic controllers, FISOs must be licensed and validated for each aerodrome where they operate, using the callsign “INFORMATION” followed by the location indicator.
Core Skills Required
Effective communication is essential for FISOs. They must accurately interpret the words used by pilots and other controllers. Utilizing a push-to-talk radiotelephony system, FISOs face challenges like the limitation of only one transmission at a time. Since English has been the default language of aviation worldwide since March 5, 2008, FISOs need to have a strong command of the English language, ensuring clear communication without any speech impediments.
Providing Information
The main goal of FIS is to offer advice and information that aids in the safe and efficient operation of flights. This includes:
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Details about potentially conflicting traffic, although this information might not always be available.
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Weather updates, including IMC information for VFR flights and various aviation weather messages (AIRMET, SIGMET, TAF, etc.).
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Information on environmental factors that could affect flights, such as volcanic eruptions or hazardous chemical clouds.
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Updates on special use area activations and deactivations.
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Alerts about other hazards, like distress traffic or unmanned free balloons.
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Additional useful information regarding radio aids.
FISOs often use general calls to notify multiple aircraft of potential hazards, but directed messages that require pilot acknowledgment are preferred.
Coordination Responsibilities
When aircraft leave a FISO’s area of responsibility, they may need to coordinate with the next Air Traffic Service (ATS) unit. If the neighboring unit provides air traffic control services, coordination is mandatory for obtaining entry clearance. If both units are FIS units, the decision to coordinate is up to them. Coordination typically includes sharing key details from the flight plan and the last contact time with the aircraft. In emergencies, critical safety information is also relayed to the accepting unit.
AFISO Duties
The AFISO shares similar tasks with the FISO but focuses on providing information around uncontrolled aerodromes. Their area of responsibility is smaller, covering the maneuvering area of the aerodrome and includes:
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Information about the runway in use and altimeter settings.
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Updates on other aircraft within the maneuvering area or traffic circuit.
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Awareness of vehicles and personnel on the maneuvering area.
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Weather conditions affecting operations.
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Aerodrome conditions such as construction work or runway contamination.
It’s important to note that AFISOs do not issue take-off or landing clearances. They merely advise pilots on runway and traffic conditions, leaving the final decision to the pilot.
Communication Standards
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has not established specific phraseology for FISOs or AFISOs. Generally, standard phraseology is used, particularly during the cruise phase. Some regions, like the UK, have created specialized phrases for AFISOs. For instance, when an aircraft is ready for departure, the AFISO would say, “NO REPORTED TRAFFIC. RUNWAY XX TAKE OFF AT YOUR DISCRETION,” instead of using the air traffic controller’s phrase, “CLEARED FOR TAKE OFF.”
