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 EDFM (Mannheim City Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HZ6Pw4eDN5M
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 – EDFM (Mannheim City Airport)
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 16:20 UTC at Mannheim City Airport, Germany.
ATIS Transcription:
Mannheim Airport. Information Whiskey. Time 16:20.
Expect circling approach. Runway 09 in use.
Transition level 60.
Wind variable between 030 degrees and 120 degrees 2 knots.
Visibility runway 27, Touchdown zone 10 kilometers.
Cloud overcast 3000 feet.
Temperature 7 dewpoint 3
QNH 1024 hectopascal.
Information Whiskey out.
✈️ Decode the ATIS
– Time: 28th at 1620 UTC.,
– Wind: from 070° at 2 knots (light easterly wind), variable between 030° and 120°,
– Visibility: Visibility is 10 km or more (good visibility).
– Clouds: Overcast clouds at 3000 feet.
– Temperature: 7°C, Dew point 3°C.
– QNH: 1024 hPa.
– Transition level: 60,
– Runway: 09 in use
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- The transition level of FL60 ensures pilots know exactly when to switch from local QNH to standard pressure, which is vital for safe vertical separation.
- The light, variable winds (between 030° and 120° at only 2 knots) mean there is little crosswind risk on Runway 09, simplifying approach and landing.
- The overcast cloud base at 3,000 ft is a key factor for IFR operations, giving a clear picture of when visual contact with the runway environment can be expected.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS. The question is:
What is the transition level?
A) 45LT
B) 30
C) 60
✅ Correct answer: C) 60
✍ 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
