AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION SERVICE (ATIS)

ATIS is the continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information in high activity terminal areas.  Its purpose is to improve pilot and controller effectiveness and to relieve frequency congestion by automating the repetitive transmission of essential but routine information.  The Santa Barbara (SBA) ATIS information is continuously broadcast on 132.65, a discrete VHF radio frequency.  The ATIS information may also be monitored by dialing (805) 967-0283.  At SBA, ATIS signals may be received on the surface of the airport, but local conditions and aircraft altitude may limit the ATIS reception over the mountain ridgeline from northwest through the northeast of the airport.  ATIS information includes the time of the latest METAR weather sequence; ceiling, visibility, obstructions to visibility, temperature, dew point, wind direction (magnetic), and velocity, altimeter, other pertinent remarks, instrument approach and runway in use.  Pilots of aircraft arriving or departing the terminal area can receive the continuous ATIS broadcast at times when cockpit duties are least pressing and listen to as many repeats as desired.  The ATIS broadcast is updated upon the receipt of any official hourly and special weather.  A new recording will also be made when there is a change in other pertinent data such as runway change, instrument approach in use, etc.  Pilots are urged to cooperate in the ATIS program as it relieves frequency congestion on approach control, ground control, and local control frequencies.  Please advise the controller of the current ATIS code on initial contact.  I you do not give the current ATIS code, the controller will have to make an extra transmission and ask you to get the current ATIS, give you the current ATIS info, or verify that you do have the current ATIS.