advisory

uhd-VY-zer-ee /ədˈvaɪ.zər.i/
nounadjectiveC1TOEFLIELTSGRE
formaltechnical

An official notification issued by air traffic control to inform pilots of potential hazards, traffic, or weather conditions.

Informational in nature; provides safety data without being a mandatory order like a clearance.

The story behind the word. Derived from Old French 'advis', based on Latin 'advisare' (to look at, consider), from 'ad-' (to) + 'videre' (to see). It expanded into official government and aviation notifications.

Word relationships

  • alert: An alert indicates immediate danger, whereas an advisory provides helpful informational guidance.
  • warning: A warning highlights critical hazards, while an advisory covers broader operational conditions.
  • clearance: A clearance is a mandatory order, whereas an advisory is informational.

Commonly confused with

  • clearance: Clearance is mandatory permission; advisory is informative advice heightening situational awareness.

Word family

  • advise (verb): To give information or counsel.
  • advice (noun): Guidance or recommendations.

Collocations

  • traffic advisory
  • weather advisory
  • issue an advisory
  • advisory service
  • flight advisory

Example sentences

  • "The controller issued a traffic advisory regarding an unidentified aircraft five miles ahead." Traffic Warnings
  • "Pilots operating near the mountain range received a wind shear advisory before starting their descent." Weather Alerts

Memory hook

ADVISORY provides ADVICE on conditions. Information provided to keep flight safe.

When not to use

Do not confuse an advisory with a clearance; an advisory gives guidance rather than direct commands.

Fun facts

  • Controllers provide traffic advisories to visual flights on a workload-permitting basis.
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