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 PHNL (Honolulu International Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE2VxSuBbeA
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 – PHNL (Honolulu International Airport).
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 11:53 UTC at Honolulu.
ATIS Transcription:
**Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport ATIS Information Romeo, time 1153 Zulu.
Wind 070 degrees at 9 knots.
Visibility 10 miles.
Few clouds at 2500 feet.
Few clouds at 4500 feet.
Scattered clouds at 7000 feet.
Temperature 24°C.
Dew point 19°C.
Altimeter 30.08.
Landing and departing runways 4 and 8.
Expect ILS or visual approach.
LAHSO in effect.
Advise approach on 118.3 or 119.1 if unable to hold short.
Taxiway Y3 closed.
Taxiway A closed.
Taxiway Z closed.
Read back all control instructions.
Increased bird strike hazard on all runways.
Numerous cranes in the vicinity of Honolulu Airport.
Check NOTAMs for additional information.
Caution: crane located 1849 feet from the departure end of runway 4L, 200 feet above ground level.
AIRMET Tango update 1 in effect.
More information available from Honolulu Automated Flight Service Station.
Advise on initial contact you have Information Romeo.**
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport
ATIS Information: Romeo
Time: 1153 Zulu
Wind: 070° at 9 knots
Visibility: 10 miles
Clouds: FEW 2500 ft; FEW 4500 ft; SCT 7000 ft
Temperature: 24°C
Dew point: 19°C
Altimeter: 30.08 inHg
Runways in use: 4 and 8
Approach: ILS or visual approach
Special procedures: LAHSO in effect
Closed taxiways: Y3, A, Z
Hazards: Bird strike risk; cranes near airport
Obstacle: Crane 1849 ft from RWY 4L departure end, 200 ft AGL
Weather advisory: AIRMET Tango update 1
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- LAHSO procedures increase landing complexity and require pilot acceptance.
Land and Hold Short Operations require aircraft to stop before reaching an intersecting runway or taxiway. Pilots must carefully assess runway distance, aircraft performance, and braking conditions before accepting the clearance. - Multiple closed taxiways can significantly affect airport ground movement.
With taxiways Y3, A, and Z closed, taxi routing becomes more complicated and may increase the chance of wrong turns or runway incursions if pilots are not attentive. - Bird strike hazards on all runways are a major operational concern.
Bird activity during takeoff and landing can damage engines, windshields, or control surfaces. Crews must remain vigilant, especially during low-altitude phases of flight.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
According to the ATIS, which taxiways are closed?
A) A, B, and C
B) Y3, A, and Z
C) Y1, Y2, and Z
✅ Correct answer: B) Y3, A, and Z
✍ 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
