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 LFPB (Paris – Le Bourget Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Imif-BeGb_A
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 – LFPB (Le Bourget Airport)
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 11:34 UTC at Paris – Le Bourget in France.
ATIS Transcription:
This is Paris La Bourget Information Hotel, recorded at 11:34 UTC.
Expected approach RNP 07, other procedures on prior request to approach.
Landing runway 07.
Takeoff runway 09.
Expect departure 06 Juliet.
Runways 07 09 and 03 dry.
Transition level 60.
Lie a path 07 out of order.
Wind 060 degrees, 5 knots.
Present weather, CAVOK.
Temperature 9 degrees.
Dew point 1 degrees.
QNH 1029.
Inform on initial contact that you have received information Hotel.
✈️ Decode the ATIS
– Time: 3rd at 11:34 UTC.,
– Wind: Wind from 060° at 5 knots, variable between 010° and 110°.
– Visibility: Visibility is 10 km or more,
– Clouds: No clouds below 5,000 feet or below the minimum sector altitude (whichever is
higher).
– No significant weather conditions.
– Temperature: +9°C, Dew Point +1°C.
– Altimeter: 1029 hPa,
– Transition level: 60
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- Wind from 060° at 5 knots, variable between 010° and 110°, indicates light and very manageable winds. Such mild and stable conditions reduce crosswind challenges during takeoff and landing, making operations smoother and safer.
- Visibility of 10 km or more ensures that pilots have excellent situational awareness, both for visual approaches and for spotting traffic or terrain. High visibility greatly enhances safety, especially during critical phases of flight.
- Altimeter setting 1029 hPa reflects a relatively high-pressure system, typically associated with calm and stable weather. Accurate pressure settings ensure precise altitude readings, crucial for maintaining vertical separation and safe approach profiles.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
What is the reported wind condition?
A) From 250° at 12 knots
B) Calm winds
C) From 060° at 5 knots, variable between 010° and 110° ✅
✅ Correct answer: C) From 060° at 5 knots, variable between 010° and 110°
✍ 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
