hey thanks guys!
if I understand that correctly though:
for example
there could have been a 30 degree crosswind coming from the right which switches to now come from the left, but as long as the runway doesn't change, there will be no new ATIS, right?!
so it would depend on what the controller sees as "pertinent data".....
True, however a wind shift like that, would incure a SP metar, and I'm pretty sure that would warrant a new atis. I know at LMT and OTH (both of the towers I work with), I've gotten atis updates for all kinds of things. A lot of our job is considered "good controller judgment", and they spend years drilling that into us. However it still leaves a lot of gray area, which we as controllers know how to exploit to move traffic.
For instance, you pop off an uncontrolled airport and are below the minimum IFR altitude in that area, requesting a pick up IFR. You state that you can maintain your own terrain/obstruction clearance in the climb and request to be cleared direct destination. We LEGALLY cannot issue that clearance until you're above our MIA and can ensure your separation, however we can say, "cleared as requested." The loop hole is that, we're not giving you course or altitude guidance so therefore the FAA is not liable if you crash and die. We've just exploited that gray area.
Chapter in the Terminal portion of the .65, under airport conditions there is more if you're interested in reading.
http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ATC/atc0303.html#atc0303.html.1