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 KLAL (Lakeland Linder International Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wB7HFahdBsE
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 – KLAL (Lakeland Linder International Airport)
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 11:50 UTC at Lakeland.
ATIS Transcription:
This is Lakeland Airport ATIS Information X-ray, time 1150 Zulu.
Wind 150 at 3 knots.
Visibility 10 miles.
Sky conditions: scattered clouds at 2,500 feet; ceiling 3,800 feet broken.
Temperature 23°C.
Dew point 23°C.
Altimeter 30.02.
Inbound aircraft can expect a visual approach.
Landing and departing runway 28.
NOTAM: Lakeland VORTAC out of service.
Advise on initial contact that you have Information X-ray.
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Lakeland Airport
ATIS Information: X-ray
Time: 1150 Zulu
Wind: 150° at 3 knots
Visibility: 10 miles
Clouds: Scattered at 2,500 ft; broken ceiling at 3,800 ft
Temperature: 23°C
Dew point: 23°C
Altimeter: 30.02 inHg
Approach in use: Visual approach
Landing/Departure runway: 28
NOTAM: Lakeland VORTAC is out of service
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- The weather conditions support safe and straightforward visual approaches.
Visibility of 10 miles and scattered clouds at 2,500 feet provide excellent conditions for pilots to maintain clear visual references throughout the approach, reducing reliance on instruments. - The broken ceiling at 3,800 feet is operationally favorable.
With the ceiling well above standard pattern altitudes, aircraft can comfortably maneuver, join the circuit, and maintain terrain and traffic awareness. - The VORTAC outage affects navigation planning and backup procedures.
With the Lakeland VORTAC out of service, pilots need to rely on GPS, RNAV, or other navigation aids. This is particularly important if diversions, holds, or alternate routing become necessary.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
What is the cloud condition at 2,500 feet?
A) Broken
B) Overcast
C) Scattered
✅ Correct answer: C) Scattered
✍ 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
