According to Annex 15 — Aeronautical Information Services, aeronautical information management (AIM) is defined as the “dynamic, integrated management of aeronautical information through the provision and exchange of quality-assured digital aeronautical data in collaboration with all parties” (Annex 15, 1.1 Definitions).
The annex contains standards and recommended practices (SARPs) that govern the aeronautical information service. It describes the State’s responsibilities and functions to “ensure that aeronautical data and aeronautical information necessary for the safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation are made available in a form suitable for the operational requirements of the air traffic management (ATM) community” (Annex 15, 2.2.1). The annex also describes the range of aeronautical information products and services, including digital data sets which were introduced with Amendment 40, and the different mechanisms to keep aeronautical data and aeronautical information up-to-date. The aeronautical information regulation and control (AIRAC) system bases the “establishment, withdrawal or significant changes upon a series of common effective dates at intervals of 28 days” (Annex 15, 6.2.1), as further outlined here.
The main publication of a State’s AIS office is the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), together with its Amendments and Supplements. A specimen AIP is provided here.
The Procedures for Air Navigation Services - Aeronautical Information Management (PANS-AIM, Doc 10066) complements the SARPs contained in Annex 15 and in Annex 4 — Aeronautical Charts. It is supplemented when necessary by regional procedures contained in the Regional Supplementary Procedures (Doc 7030). The PANS-AIM contains provisions in support of the transition from product-based AIS to data-centric AIM. It includes detailed requirements for the collection, management and provision of aeronautical data and aeronautical information as well as aeronautical information products and services specifications.
The revised edition of the Aeronautical Information Services Manual (Doc 8126) provides guidance for the implementation of AIM. It explains the provisions contained in Annex 15 and PANS-AIM, provides background information on certain specifications, helps illustrate their meaning and exemplifies means by which these specifications can be met. It is divided into four volumes; the objective is to continue to provide guidance not only on legacy AIS processes, but also on new AIM practices, and to accommodate future developments within the context of system-wide information management (SWIM). The target audience comprises AIS operational personnel, management bodies and regulatory authorities. The four volumes are:
a) Volume I — Regulatory Framework for Aeronautical Information Services which explains AIS responsibilities and functions and provides guidance for the organizational development of AIS including the transition to AIM;
b) Volume II — Processing Aeronautical Data which provides guidance for processing aeronautical data and aeronautical information while considering the operational provisions for the management of aeronautical information in a data-centric environment;
c) Volume III — Aeronautical Information in a Standardized Presentation and Related Services which provides guidance for aeronautical information to be distributed in a standardized presentation; and
d) Volume IV — Digital Aeronautical Information Products and Related Services which provides guidance for the distribution of digital products and services (under development).
Updated: 05 February 2021
