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ATIS update frequency

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 6 of 15 on Operations / Radio Communications. ACS element UA.V.A.K5 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONHow often is the Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) recording normally updated?

  1. AEvery 56 days, when the Chart Supplement U.S. is revised
  2. BContinuously in real time, so the recording changes as each new observation arrives
  3. COnce per hour, or more often when changing local conditions warrant
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Once per hour, or more often when changing local conditions warrant

  • A — incorrect The 56-day cycle is the revision interval of the Chart Supplement U.S., not the ATIS recording.
  • B — incorrect ATIS is a recording broadcast in a looped format and is re-recorded on a schedule, not a continuously changing live feed.
  • C — correct The study guide states that ATIS is normally updated once per hour but is updated more often when changing local conditions warrant.

BACKGROUND

The Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) is a recording of the local weather conditions and other pertinent non-control information broadcast on a local frequency in a looped format. It is normally updated once per hour but more often when changing local conditions warrant. The broadcast includes weather, runways in use, specific ATC procedures, and any airport construction that could affect taxi planning. Each recording is given a letter code that changes with every update. A remote pilot can listen to ATIS as one source of current airport data before operating near a towered airport.

STUDY TIP

Remember 'once per hour, more often if conditions change'. Keep it distinct from the 56-day Chart Supplement cycle, which is a common distractor.

KEY POINTS

  • ATIS is a looped recording of weather and non-control airport information.
  • It is normally updated once per hour, more often when conditions warrant.
  • Content includes weather, runways in use, ATC procedures, and construction.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch11 "Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS)"
  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch11 "Chart Supplement U.S."
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.