3.2.1 Initial call Amsterdam ACC

When changing communication channel to Amsterdam ACC, the initial call shall include callsign only. When a speed or heading has been assigned, this information shall be included in the initial call.

3.2.2 Provision of UTC time-check at controlled aerodromes

Before taxiing for take-off, the pilot shall ensure that the time used by the aircraft systems is set and checked by synchronising it with GPS time (corrected to UTC). The synchronisation shall be carried out with the aircraft's aviation approved GPS device.

If the aircraft is not equipped with GPS and the pilot requires the current time (UTC), the pilot shall ask ATC for a time-check.

3.4.1 Status of service (ICAO Circ.211-AN/128)

In order for pilots to be able to readily identify the status of the service they are receiving, the call sign "Aerodrome Information" following the name of the aerodrome should be used in aeronautical mobile communications to identify a unit providing AFIS, e.g. "Budel Aerodrome Information". This will avoid any possible confusion with a unit providing aerodrome control service, which is identified by the call sign "Tower". The word "Aerodrome" may be left out after initial contact has been established.

AFIS is available within the aerodrome flight information zone (AFIZ) during the hours of operation indicated in AD 2.3. The service is easily identifiable by the call sign suffix "Information".

AFIZ is an airspace of defined dimensions in which AFIS is provided to IFR flights.

The AFIS operator is responsible for:

1. Relaying ATC clearances to aircraft.
2. Issuing information on behalf of the aerodrome operator, to aircraft on manoeuvring area in order to prevent collisions between aircraft and vehicles/obstacles on the manoeuvring area, or between aircraft moving on the apron.
3. Providing aircraft with essential information about the state of aerodrome and its facilities1).
4. Meteorological and other information2).
5. Providing alerting services.

1. The information includes details of any items that might constitute a hazard to aircraft, e.g.: circumstances that may restrict the use of the aerodrome, such as unusable parts of the aerodrome, work in progress on and condition of runways and taxiways, snow, slush, ice or standing water on runways etc., the approach/landing aids concerned and failure or irregular functioning of the aerodrome lighting system.
2. QNH, visibility, RVR, significant cloud and height of base, surface wind direction, runway in use, landing time etc.

3.4.2 IFR flights departing during AFIS: ATC clearance

For an IFR flight intending to depart during AFIS-operational hours an ATC clearance will be relayed via AFIS. Normally a "clearance expiry time" will be added to the clearance indicating the time after which the clearance will automatically be cancelled if the flight has not departed by this time.