Flight Information Centre (FIC) pre-flight and en-route services
Flight Information Centre (FIC): staffed, centralized ATS unit giving pre-flight and en-route flight information (TC AIM GEN 5.1, NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology).
FIC services:
| Service | Content | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot briefing service (AWBS, Aviation Weather Briefing Service) | Meteorological and aeronautical information, or consultation on it, for flight planning. Specialist also accepts flight plan during briefing | TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.1, MET 1.1.3; AIM GEN abbreviations l.4583 |
| FISE | En-route information exchange on FISE frequency. Air traffic information not provided | TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.1 |
| NOTAM information service | Collect and disseminate NOTAMs, RSC, CRFI by FICs and FSSs. NOTAMs available at all FICs | TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.3; PSTAR 3.26 |
| Aeronautical broadcast service | On FISE frequency: SIGMET, urgent PIREP, fuel dumping information | TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.1 |
FISE on request:
- Meteorological: SIGMET, AIRMET, PIREP, METAR, SPECI, TAF, altimeter setting, weather radar, lightning info, briefing update
- Aeronautical: NOTAM, RSC, CRFI, MANOT
- ATC communications relay: IFR clearance, SVFR authorization
Submit to FIC en route (TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.1):
- PIREPs
- IFR/VFR position reports (arrival and departure times included)
- Revised flight plan or itinerary
- CIRVIS sightings
- Pollution reports
- Fuel dumping information for ACC coordination
Contact:
| Line | Use | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| 1-866-WXBRIEF | Briefing, flight-plan filing, weather interpretation | TC AIM MET 1.1.3 |
| FISE frequency (radio, en route) | Same | TC AIM MET 1.1.3 |
| 1-866-GOMÉTÉO | Bilingual service (Québec FIC). Collect calls accepted | TC AIM RAC 3.2 |
- FICs run 24 h; telephone numbers listed in CFS (TC AIM MET 1.3.1).
- Airborne initial-briefing requests discouraged: frequency congestion (TC AIM MET 1.1.4).
- Briefing request states: pilot status, aircraft/flight type, route, times, alternate, info wanted (TC AIM RAC 3.2).
Other FIC duties (TC AIM MET 1.3.9.2, NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology):
- Manage VFR flight plans
- Coordinate SAR alerting
- Relay real-time CLDN lightning data
Related units:
| Unit | Role | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| FSS (flight service station) | ATS unit for arrival and departure at uncontrolled aerodromes, and transit through an MF area. Also operates aerodrome lighting unless CFS says otherwise | TC AIM GEN 5.1; RAC 1.1.2.2 |
| Gander | Only International Flight Service Station (IFSS) in Canada. Communications service for international air operators | TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.4 |
| Edmonton and Quebec FICs | Serve the Arctic (NWT, Nunavut, vicinity of the ADIZ). FISE and emergency communication there | TC AIM RAC 1.1.3 |
Trap: FISE gives weather, NOTAMs, and ATC relay, never air traffic information (FSS/ATC job, not FIC).
References
- TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.1
- TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.2
- TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.3
- TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.4
- TC AIM RAC 1.1.3
- TC AIM RAC 3.2
- PSTAR 3.26
- TC AIM GEN 5.1
- TC AIM MET 1.1.3
- TC AIM MET 1.1.4
- TC AIM MET 1.3.1
- TC AIM MET 1.3.9.2
- NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, What to Expect From Different ATS Units - Flight Information Services