UK Aeronautical Information System

The UK AIS is an on line facility providing a wealth of information for pilots and clubs. The system is available on the web and is managed by NATS (National Air Traffic Services).

Information for UK pilots, and legal issues, are contained in three principle documents which used only to be available in paper form, and had periodically to be updated by changing pages, but are now available on line. These are:

The UK Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) - Static information, updated every 28 days, containing information of lasting (permanent) character essential to air navigation. A new feature since November 2004 is the ability to cut and paste sections of this document on line (previously, the only way to extract such data was to copy it out by hand);

The Air Navigation Order, which can be downloaded and stored as a document

The Rules of the Air which also can be downloaded and stored as a document.

There are also:

UK AIP Supplements (SUPs) - Temporary changes to the AIP, usually of long duration, containing comprehensive text and/or graphics.

Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs) - Notices relating to safety, navigation, technical, administrative or legal matters.

All these are additional to Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) - Notices concerning the condition or change to any facility, service or procedure notified within the AIP. NOTAM are available in the form of Pre-Flight Information Bulletins (PIB) using a live database, and should be checked daily before flying. Detailed guidance for obtaining a "Narrow Route Briefing" for gliding purposes is available on the BGA web site. More information about NOTAMs is available here.

The new feature in the UK AIP, of being able to copy and paste sections of text, enables pilots to seek clarification of any points needed. Other examples are that a gliding club may wish to post notices about nearby airfields, or details of parachuting sites in its vicinity or near favourite cross country routes.

Registration is required to use the site, but access is free of charge.

Click here to access the UK AIS Login Page

Thanks to Chris Nicholas for providing this information