What is D-ATIS primarily used for?

D-ATIS, or Digital Automatic Terminal Information Service, is primarily used to supply digitized weather information that can be directly accessed by onboard equipment. This system provides pilots with critical information such as weather conditions, runway availability, and other pertinent data in a standardized format.

The key advantage of D-ATIS is its ability to deliver up-to-date information without the need for a pilot to listen to voice transmissions, thereby making it easier to integrate this data into avionics systems. By automating the dissemination of this information, D-ATIS enhances operational efficiency and ensures that crucial updates are readily available to pilots before departure or during their approach to an airport.

While providing weather updates is a component of D-ATIS, the emphasis on digitized data and direct interface with onboard systems is what makes this service distinctive and vital for modern aviation operations.