ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Standard Schedules Information Manual

Have you ever seen a map or a schedule that shows you when things are going to happen? That's kind of like a Standard Schedules Information Manual (also known as an SSIM). An SSIM is a big book of information that helps people understand when airplanes are going to arrive and leave from different airports.

Inside the SSIM, there are all kinds of numbers and codes that help the people who work at the airport know what to do. It tells them which airplanes are coming and going, what time they will arrive and depart, and what gates they will be at. It's important for them to know this information so they can make sure everything runs smoothly and nobody misses their flight.

Think of it like a recipe book for an airport. Just like how a recipe tells you what ingredients you need and what order to put them in, the SSIM tells the airport workers what airplanes they need to handle and when. Without the SSIM, there would be a lot of confusion and things might not go as planned.

So next time you're at an airport, remember that there's a big book full of important information helping everything run smoothly.