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 LKKV (Karlovy Vary Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uBzW_rC45XQ
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 – LKKV (Karlovy Vary Airport).
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 10:00 UTC at Karlovy Vary.
ATIS Transcription:
**Good morning, this is Karlovy Vary Information Mike at 1000 Zulu.
RNP approach.
Runway 11 in use.
Transition level 70.
SID LKTSA 4A is active.
Wind 360 degrees at 4 knots, varying between 310 and 050 degrees.
CAVOK.
Temperature 9°C.
Dew point 2°C.
QNH 1013 hectopascals.
Advise you have information Mike.**
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Karlovy Vary
ATIS Information: Mike
Time: 1000 Zulu
Approach: RNP
Runway in use: 11
Transition level: FL070
Active SID: LKTSA 4A
Wind: 360° at 4 knots, varying 310°–050°
Weather: CAVOK
Temperature: 9°C
Dew point: 2°C
QNH: 1013 hPa
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- CAVOK conditions simplify arrival planning but do not remove wind considerations.
Although visibility and cloud conditions are ideal, the variable wind between 310° and 050° means pilots should be prepared for slight directional shifts on final approach to runway 11. - Low wind speed reduces crosswind risk but increases drift sensitivity.
At only 4 knots, wind impact is minimal, yet variability may still require small heading corrections during final approach. - Standard QNH 1013 simplifies performance calculations.
With near-standard pressure, aircraft performance remains predictable, especially in moderate temperatures.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
What are the reported wind conditions?
A) 360° at 14 knots
B) 360° at 4 knots, varying between 310° and 050°
C) Variable wind 10 knots
✅ Correct answer: B) 360° at 4 knots, varying between 310° and 050°
✍ 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
