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 LSZB (Bern Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/R09PMG7U4To
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 – LSZB (Bern Airport).
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 12:20 UTC at Bern.
ATIS Transcription:
**This is Bern Information Quebec at 1220 Zulu.
RNP approach runway 14.
Circling runway 32 in use.
Runway 32 in use.
Transition level 70.
Bern Clearance Delivery not active.
Wind 300 degrees at 9 knots.
Visibility 10 kilometers or more.
Cloud scattered 700 feet.
Temperature 4°C.
Dew point 2°C.
QNH 1025 hectopascals.
End of information Quebec.**
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Bern
ATIS Information: Quebec
Time: 1220 Zulu
Approach: RNP runway 14
Landing runway: 32 (circling)
Transition level: FL070
Clearance Delivery: Not active
Wind: 300° at 9 knots
Visibility: 10 km or more
Clouds: SCT 700 ft
Temperature: 4°C
Dew point: 2°C
QNH: 1025 hPa
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- Low scattered cloud at 700 feet significantly affects approach planning.
Even though visibility is good, a scattered layer at 700 feet means the aircraft may enter cloud during circling. This requires strong situational awareness and stable visual reference before descending further. - Circling to runway 32 increases workload.
An RNP approach to runway 14 followed by circling to land on runway 32 demands precise aircraft handling, terrain awareness, and stabilized approach management. - Transition level FL070 determines altimeter management.
Pilots must ensure proper QNH setting before descending below the transition level to avoid altitude deviations.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
What is the reported cloud base in the ATIS?
A) Broken 700 feet
B) Scattered 700 feet
C) Overcast 700 feet
✅ Correct answer: B) Scattered 700 feet
✍ 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
