ATIS Training – CYYZ (Toronto Pearson Airport)

  ATIS Example – CYYZ (Toronto Pearson Airport)

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

ATIS Transcription:

This is Toronto International ATIS Information Gulf, weather at time 1100 Zulu.
Wind 160 degrees at 5 knots.
Visibility 15 miles.
Ceiling broken at 13,000 feet.
Temperature 16.
Dew point 8.
Altimeter 29.78.Approach ILS runway 23.
Departure runway 24 Left.
Aircraft arriving Toronto with permission to land prior to 1030 Zulu shall notify Toronto ATC on initial contact.Advisory: bird activity, including large and small birds, in the Toronto International area.
Voice advisory in effect.Monitor frequency 133.714 as available.
Some information may be temporarily unavailable.Advise ATC you have Information Gulf.

✈️ Decode the ATIS

Date: 12th

Time: 1100 UTC

Wind: 160° at 5 knots

Visibility: 15 miles

Clouds: “Thirteen thousand broken” → Broken layer at 13,000 ft

Temperature: 16°C

Dew point: 8°C

Altimeter: 29.78 inHg

Approach in use: ILS Runway 23

Departure runway: 24L

Operational Note:

• Aircraft arriving Toronto and requesting permission to land prior to 1030 UTC must notify Toronto ATC on initial contact.

Advisories:

• Bird activity (large and small birds) in the Toronto International area
• Voice advisory system active
• Additional monitoring frequency mentioned: 133.714 (partially unreadable/no service)

Final instruction:
Inform ATC that you have Information Gulf.

✈️ Why is this important?

This ATIS is interesting because:

1. A broken layer at 13,000 ft signals high-altitude weather but does not affect approach minima.
   A ceiling at 13,000 ft broken means conditions are well above instrument minima. Pilots can expect a stable visual transition during approach. Although not restrictive, it still provides awareness of upper-level clouds that may indicate changing weather later in the day.
2. Temperature and dew point equal at 16°C may signal fog or low-cloud formation later.
   When temperature = dew point, the atmosphere is saturated.
   Although visibility is currently 15 miles, this condition can quickly lead to: radiation fog, haze or low stratus, especially if winds remain light. Pilots and dispatchers should anticipate potential visibility deterioration.
3. Bird activity increases risk during takeoff and landing.
   Toronto Pearson is known for wildlife hazards. Reported large and small bird activity means: higher likelihood of bird strikes, need for increased visual vigilance, possible need for thrust adjustments or rejected takeoff caution. Even light winds (5 kt) don’t disperse birds effectively, making the advisory operationally relevant.

✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)

You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
What is the reported visibility?

A) 5 miles
B) 10 miles
C) 15 miles

✅ Correct answer: C) 15 miles

✍ 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!