Information Sierra
ATIS Training Series – Learn Step by Step
This article is part of our ATIS Training Series. In each post, you will:
- listen to a real ATIS message,
- read the full transcription,
- decode the information (weather, runway, approach, warnings),
- and practice with an exam-style question.
💡 On the ICAO English exam, one of the tasks is to listen to an ATIS recording and choose the correct answer from 3 options.
👉 Remember: you can always ask the examiner to play the ATIS one more time. This is allowed and will not affect your score.
🎧 Watch & Listen on YouTube
We prepared a short video with this exact ATIS message from LSGG (Geneva Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tMi8xPLjTqQ
OR
🔊 Play the video on our website, listen carefully, and repeat the message out loud – just like in the real exam.
What is ATIS?
ATIS means Automatic Terminal Information Service.
It is a recording at airports. It tells pilots about:
– the weather,
– the runway in use,
– special information.
Pilots must listen to ATIS before they call the tower. This makes communication faster and safer.
ATIS Example – LSGG (Geneva Airport).
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 08:04 UTC at Geneva.
ATIS Transcription:
**This is Geneva Information Delta at 0804 Zulu.
ILS approach runway 22 in use.
Runway condition report:
Runway condition code 5/5/5.
Coverage 100 percent, 100 percent, 100 percent.
No depth reported, no depth reported, no depth reported.
Wet, wet, wet.
Transition level 80.
Taxiway Papa closed.
Chaudary VOR/DME unserviceable.
Wind variable between 160 and 260 degrees at 2 knots.
Visibility 10 kilometers or more.
Touchdown zone visibility 10 kilometers or more.
Cloud few 6000 feet.
Broken 7000 feet.
Temperature 14°C.
Dew point 13°C.
QNH 1009 hectopascals.
Trend: temporary moderate showers of rain.
End of information Delta.**
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Geneva
ATIS Information: Delta
Time: 0804 Zulu
Approach: ILS runway 22
Runway condition: 5/5/5 (good braking action), 100% wet
Transition level: FL080
Taxiway: Papa closed
Navigation aid: Chaudary VOR/DME unserviceable
Wind: Variable between 160° and 260° at 2 knots
Visibility: 10 km or more (including TDZ)
Clouds: FEW 6000 ft, BKN 7000 ft
Temperature: 14°C
Dew point: 13°C
QNH: 1009 hPa
Trend: Temporary moderate rain showers
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- Runway condition 5/5/5 indicates good braking performance, but the surface is fully wet.
Even though braking action is reported as good, a 100% wet surface can still increase landing distance. Pilots must verify landing performance calculations and be prepared for reduced friction if rainfall intensifies. - Variable light wind reduces crosswind concerns but requires monitoring.
Wind between 160° and 260° at 2 knots is operationally insignificant in strength, yet variability may slightly affect final approach alignment. - Unserviceable VOR/DME may impact navigation planning.
If that VOR is part of an alternate routing or missed approach procedure, pilots must ensure alternative navigation sources are available.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
According to the ATIS, what is the reported runway condition?
A) 3/3/3, standing water
B) 5/5/5, wet surface
C) 6/6/6, dry surface
✅ Correct answer: B) 5/5/5, wet surface
✍ 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!
Download our APP
