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 EHAM (Amsterdam Airport Schiphol).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B4gQPL3HwlQ
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 – EHAM (Amsterdam Airport Schiphol)
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 16:25 UTC at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Netherlands.
ATIS Transcription:
This is Schiphol arrival information, Alpha. Main landing runway 18R, transition level 40, wind 270
degrees, 4 knots, CAVOK, temperature 8, dew point 1, QNH 1028 hectopascal, NOSIG,
operational report, contact approach with call sign only, acknowledge information, Alpha.
✈️ Decode the ATIS
– Time: 3rd at 16:25 UTC,
– Wind: from 270° at 4 knots, variable between 250° and 330°.
– Visibility: 10 km or more (good visibility),
– No significant weather conditions.
– Clouds: No clouds below 5,000 feet or below the minimum sector altitude (whichever is
higher).
– Temperature: +8°C, Dew Point +1°C.
– QNH: 1028 hPa,
– No significant weather changes expected,
– Transition: TL40,
– Main landing runway: 18R.
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- Wind from 270° at 4 knots, variable between 250° and 330° indicates very light winds with minor crosswind impact on Runway 18R, making takeoff and landing easier.
- No clouds below 5,000 ft or minimum sector altitude provide excellent VFR conditions and clear visual references for pilots during approach and departure.
- QNH 1028 hPa and no significant weather changes expected indicate stable high-pressure conditions, ensuring accurate altimeter settings and generally smooth flight operations.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS. The question is:
What is the transition level reported?
A) TL40
B) TL50
C) TL60
✅ Correct answer: A) TL40
✍ 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
