Local Airport Advisory (LAA) is basically the same service that used to be known as just plain Airport Advisory (AA) years ago. The reason for the change in terminology is that there are two similar types of services that were added over the years called Remote Airport Advisory (RAA) and Remote Airport Information Service (RAIS). Both of these are different because of the fact that they are provided by FSS personnel not located at the airport where the service is provided. Neither of these types of services are available in Alaska so I will not go into any more detail about them here.
Local Airport Advisory (LAA) is a service provided by FSS facilities, which are located on the landing airport, have a discrete ground-to-air communications frequency or the tower frequency when the tower is closed, automated weather reporting with voice broadcasting, and a continuous ASOS/AWOS data display, other continuous direct reading instruments, or manual observations available to the specialist. Participation in the program is not mandatory but is encouraged. Safety is enhanced when everyone participates.
The Alaska Supplement lists this service at airports where it is available. Benefits include; weather information, particularly currentwind and altimeter setting, favored or designated runway, NOTAM and traffic information, and when requested, special VFR clearances (if conditions allow). Additional details can be found in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) chapter 3, section 5 and chapter 4, section 1.
Some airports in Alaska with LAA service have a relatively new feature called Automatic Flight Information Service (AFIS). This is the FSS version of an ATIS. AFIS is the continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information at airports in Alaska where a FSS provides LAA service. The AFIS broadcast automates the repetitive transmission of essential but routine information such as weather, wind, altimeter, favored runway, breaking action, airport NOTAMs, and other applicable information. The information is continuously broadcast over a discrete VHF radio frequency (usually the ASOS frequency.)
Last updated: Monday, July 27, 2020