ATIS Training – EPGD (Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport)

  ATIS Example – EPGD (Lech Wałęsa Airport).

This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 11:00 UTC at Gdańsk.

ATIS Transcription:

This is Gdańsk ATIS Information Juliet, time 1156 Zulu on the 19th.
Expect Tango arrivals. ILS approach runway 29.
Runway 29 condition codes 5 / 5 / 5.
Runway surface: first third wet, second third wet, third third wet.Transition level 80.
Caution: possible GPS jamming and spoofing.Wind variable at 4 knots.
Visibility in touchdown zone: 10 kilometers or more.
Clouds scattered at 3,900 feet.
Temperature 2 degrees.
Dew point minus 9.
QNH 1031.ATC clearance available by data link.
Ground frequency is not operating; contact apron.
End of Information Juliet.

✈️ Decode the ATIS

Date: 12th

Date: 19th

Time: 1156 UTC

Approach: ILS runway 29 (Tango arrivals expected)

Runway:

• Runway 29
• Runway Condition Codes (RCR): 5 / 5 / 5
• Surface: wet / wet / wet

Wind: Variable, 4 kt

Visibility: 10 km or more (excellent visibility)

Clouds: Scattered at 3,900 ft

Temperature: +2°C

Dew point: –9°C

QNH: 1031 hPa

Transition level: FL80

Notices:

Ground not operating—use apron frequency
Inform ATC that you have Information Gulf.

Possible GPS jamming and spoofing

ATC clearance available via data link

✈️ Why is this important?

This ATIS is interesting because:

1. Runway Condition Code 5/5/5 indicates good braking but requires caution due to wet surfaces.
   Runway condition code 5/5/5 indicates generally good braking action, but since the entire runway surface is wet, pilots must still exercise caution during landing. A wet runway can slightly increase landing distance and reduce friction, particularly during the higher-speed portion of the rollout. Although conditions are overall favorable, crews should select appropriate autobrake settings and remain alert to any unexpected reduction in braking effectiveness.
2. GPS jamming and spoofing
   The warning about possible GPS jamming and spoofing is highly significant because it can affect RNAV arrivals and all satellite-based navigation systems. Loss of reliable GNSS signals requires pilots to increase cross-checking of instruments and be prepared to revert to traditional navigation aids such as ILS or VOR. This type of interference has become more common in Europe, making heightened situational awareness essential for flight crews.
3. Visibility and cloud conditions
   Visibility of 10 kilometers or more, combined with scattered clouds at 3,900 feet, indicates largely favorable weather conditions. However, the temperature of 2°C and the dew point of –9°C show that the air is very dry and cool. While this reduces the likelihood of fog or low cloud formation, a wet runway surface still presents the potential for light surface slipperiness depending on temperature fluctuations and humidity changes.

✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)

You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
What is the runway condition code for runway 29?

A) 3 / 3 / 3
B) 5 / 5 / 5
C) 2 / 5 / 2

✅ Correct answer: B) 5 / 5 / 5

✍ Exam Tip

During the ICAO English exam, you will listen to an ATIS message and answer a question
with 3 choices.
👉 Remember: you can always ask the examiner:
“Could you please play the recording again?”
This is allowed and does not lower your score.

📱 Bonus for Smart Students

If you want more practice, try the ICAO4U mobile app.
It includes many recordings just like the ones you will hear on the exam – ATIS, clearances,
and real pilot–ATC communication.

😏 Think of it as a legal cheat sheet for your exam – everything you need to feel confident,
but 100% allowed!