AIS is a state responsibility, though in Switzerland it is delegated to Skyguide, with final clearance by FOCA.

ICAO Annexes

• Annex 15: Aeronautical Information Services
• Annex 4: Aeronautical Charts

• AIS: Traditional service focused on static data and charting.
• AIM (Aeronautical Information Management): Modern concept integrating data from AIS, MET, MIL, and ATFCM domains.

AIM supports data quality, sharing, and decision-making across the ATM community

• Static Data: Long-term, unchanging information (e.g., coordinates, DME locations).
• Dynamic Data: Short-term, time-sensitive information (e.g., NOTAMs, MET reports, flight plans).

Static data is suitable for charts; dynamic data is used for operational updates.

EAD is the centralized European database for aeronautical information:

• Contains AIP, NOTAM, PIB, and static data
• Ensures harmonized and validated data across Europe

IAIP includes all essential aeronautical information for flight operations:

• Operational: AIP, Supplements, NOTAM, SNOWTAM, ASHTAM
• Non-operational: Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC)

AICs provide non-operational or explanatory information, such as:

• Long-term forecasts of changes
• Technical or administrative updates

Published in paper format.

AIP contains permanent regulations and procedures for civil aviation:

• Updated monthly or every 28 days
• Structured into:
• GEN: General info
• ENR: En-route procedures
• AD: Aerodrome data

In Switzerland, AIP is in English and excludes VFR-only info (published separately).

AIRAC (Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control) ensures timely updates of operational data:

• 28-day cycle
• Info published at least 42 days before effective date
• Used for updating systems like FMS

A NOTAM is a notice containing essential operational information about:

• Establishment, condition, or change in facilities, services, procedures, or hazards

Types:

• Series A: Major airports and en-route
• Series B: Other aerodromes, VFR
• Series W: Navigation warnings

Special NOTAMs:

• SNOWTAM: Winter conditions
• ASHTAM: Volcanic ash
• BIRDTAM: Bird strike risk (non-ICAO standard)

DABS is a daily chart showing military firing zones:

• Published by Zurich AIS
• Available on skybriefing.com
• Updated with NOTAMs
• IFR flights are separated by ATC; VFR pilots must self-separate

A flight plan is a document submitted before departure containing:

• Route, timing, aircraft info
• Used for ATC, ATFCM, and SAR

Required for:

• All ATS-provided flights
• IFR flights
• VFR flights crossing borders or at night

These units support flight planning and briefing:

• ARO: Receives flight plans and distributes them via AFTN
• AAU: Provides NOTAMs, weather, airspace restrictions, and clearances

• Pre-flight: At departure aerodrome; includes NOTAM and MET info
• In-flight: Provided via radio or data link
• Post-flight: Feedback on missing or incorrect info

Skyguide provides electronic briefing via skybriefing.com