A pilot noted that the anc ATIS could be a safety distraction; since it often runs more than two min...

Narrative:

Anchorage tower (anc) in the past few years has changed ATIS from a controller recording to the use of a computer ATIS broadcast. This past summer the computer ATIS broadcast increased to more than two minutes in length. The length of these ATIS broadcasts are a safety issue due to the length; and typically has too much non-essential information. In a review of FAA controller manuals 7210.3 (10-4-1 / services); and 7110.65 (2-9-1)/ATIS procedures; manual 7210.3; section 4; 10-4-1; paragraph F.; states: 'keep messages as brief and as concise as possible. Optimum duration of up to 30 seconds should not be exceeded unless required for message content completeness.' the problem with the computer/digital broadcast is a number of notams have been added that have planning information; (i.e. Runway information; toda; tora; lda; etc.) this information is available in printed format and is to be reviewed before the aircraft is dispatched for a flight. Yesterday; I monitored fairbanks international airport (fai) and the ATIS was 30 seconds in length. The ATIS included the current weather and airport information that was current for operational use. Often it will take over 4 (four) minutes to monitor a complete ATIS at anchorage (anc) which; when taxiing or on arrival; could be a major safety issue. ATIS information should conform to the guidance of FAA controller manuals; be it computer or individual voice transmission.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A pilot noted that the ANC ATIS could be a safety distraction; since it often runs more than two minutes in duration and contains NOTAMs previously published.

Narrative: Anchorage Tower (ANC) in the past few years has changed ATIS from a Controller recording to the use of a computer ATIS broadcast. This past summer the computer ATIS broadcast increased to more than two minutes in length. The length of these ATIS broadcasts are a safety issue due to the length; and typically has too much non-essential information. In a review of FAA Controller manuals 7210.3 (10-4-1 / Services); and 7110.65 (2-9-1)/ATIS Procedures; Manual 7210.3; Section 4; 10-4-1; Paragraph F.; states: 'Keep messages as brief and as concise as possible. Optimum duration of up to 30 seconds should not be exceeded unless required for message content completeness.' The problem with the computer/digital broadcast is a number of NOTAMs have been added that have planning information; (i.e. runway information; TODA; TORA; LDA; etc.) This information is available in printed format and is to be reviewed before the aircraft is dispatched for a flight. Yesterday; I monitored Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) and the ATIS was 30 seconds in length. The ATIS included the current weather and airport information that was current for operational use. Often it will take over 4 (four) minutes to monitor a complete ATIS at Anchorage (ANC) which; when taxiing or on arrival; could be a major safety issue. ATIS information should conform to the guidance of FAA Controller manuals; be it computer or individual voice transmission.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	979973
Time
Date	201111
Place
Locale Reference	ANC.Airport
State Reference	AK
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Large Transport Low Wing 2 Turbojet Eng
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 125
Flight Phase	Parked
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Captain Pilot Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Flight Engineer Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Multiengine
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 165 Flight Crew Total 32500 Flight Crew Type 17500
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

A pilot noted that the anc ATIS could be a safety distraction; since it often runs more than two minutes in duration and contains notams previously published.