An Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) is an essential document that provides comprehensive and updated information crucial for the safe operation of aircraft within a specific country’s airspace. Issued by or with the authority of a state’s civil aviation administration, the AIP contains details about air navigation facilities, services, and procedures. This includes data on airports, airways, air traffic control regulations, and other relevant aviation infrastructure.
Structured in three parts – General (GEN), Enroute (ENR), and Aerodromes (AD) – the AIP is a standardized reference document used by pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals. It ensures uniformity and clarity in the dissemination of aeronautical information, contributing to flight safety and operational efficiency. The document is regularly updated through amendments and supplements to reflect the latest changes in air navigation and associated services.
What’s in the AIP?
Section Description Color
GEN (General) Contains general information and administrative details, including definitions, units of measurement, and general rules and procedures. Light Blue
ENR (Enroute) Provides information related to the enroute phase of flight, such as airspace structure, air traffic services, communication and navigation facilities, and route availability. Green
AD (Aerodromes) Includes details about aerodromes/airports, such as airport services, facilities, ground movement procedures, and charts. Yellow
How is the AIP used in practice?
As the AIP contains quite literally anything you need to know about aviating in a certain country’s airspace, the practical uses of it are almost unlimited.
- A pilot preparing for a flight from London to Paris will use the AIP to review information about departure and arrival airports, including runway details, available services, navigation aids, and any special procedures or restrictions. By consulting the AIP, the pilot ensures compliance with local regulations and enhances flight safety by being fully informed about the airports and airspace they will be operating in.
- A pilot planning a flight across international borders, from New York to Toronto, would use the AIP to familiarize themselves with the entry and exit procedures for both the United States and Canada. This includes reviewing customs and immigration requirements, flight plan filing procedures, communication frequencies, and any specific entry or exit points (such as designated border crossing points).
Whilst the AIP contains all this information, it is important to note that a pilot on a given day will most likely have access to those points through other sources, such as electronic flight bags (rather than having to browse the AIP itself).
How often is the AIP updated?
The AIP is updated on schedule by a system called the AIRAC. Under the AIRAC system, updates to the AIP are issued every 28 days, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the most current information.
The update schedule generally follows these guidelines:
- Amendments: These are issued at fixed intervals, typically every 28 days, to ensure the AIP reflects the latest changes in aeronautical information. Amendments can include updates to regulations, procedures, or physical changes to airports and airspace.
- Supplements: These are temporary updates that address specific events or short-term changes, such as temporary airspace restrictions or construction activities. Supplements remain in effect until the information is either incorporated into a permanent amendment or the event concludes.
- NOTAMs (Notices to Aircrews / Notices to Airmen): While not a part of the AIP itself, NOTAMs are used to disseminate urgent information that may affect flight operations. They provide real-time updates that are often later included in the AIP.
Other updates – Aeronautical information circulars
Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs) are official notices issued by aviation authorities to disseminate information that is not suitable for inclusion in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). AICs cover administrative, operational, safety, and technical matters relevant to the aviation community. They provide updates on regulatory changes, new procedures, safety recommendations, and other significant aviation developments. Like the AIP, the sections of AICs are also color coded.
Colour Description Abbreviation
White Administration matters W
Yellow Operational matters including ATS facilities and requirements Y
Pink Safety related topics P
Mauve Airspace Restrictions imposed in accordance with the Temporary Restriction of Flying Regulations M
Green Maps and Charts G
The AIP, along with Aeronautical Information Circulars ensure that pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals are informed about important updates that may affect flight operations and safety. They serve as a supplement to other aeronautical information systems, promoting efficient and safe air navigation.
Cover photo: Paul W Furmanski, JetPhotos
