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Why is ATIS used at busy terminals?

  1. To reduce pilot workload

  2. To increase communication errors

  3. To manage flight delays

  4. To provide detailed navigation instructions

The correct answer is: To reduce pilot workload

ATIS, or Automatic Terminal Information Service, is utilized at busy terminals primarily to reduce pilot workload. By continuously broadcasting essential information, such as weather conditions, runway usage, and other pertinent details, ATIS enables pilots to obtain critical updates without needing to communicate directly with air traffic control for each piece of information. This streamlining allows pilots to focus more on flight operations and decision-making during busy times, enhancing safety and efficiency overall. While communication errors can be a concern in busy airspaces, ATIS serves to mitigate this by providing a standardized, pre-recorded message that all pilots can listen to simultaneously, thereby reducing the amount of back-and-forth communication required. Flight delays might be related to the information provided by ATIS, but the primary purpose of the service is not to manage delays directly. Similarly, while navigation instructions are important, ATIS focuses more on overall situational awareness rather than detailed navigational guidance.