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 KJAX (Jacksonville International Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ScUALzkSMaY
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 – KJAX (Jacksonville International Airport).
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 12:56 UTC at Jacksonville.
ATIS Transcription:
This is Jacksonville International Airport ATIS Information Papa, time 1256 Zulu.
Wind 090 at 9 knots.
Visibility 10 miles.
Few clouds at 2,000 feet.
Few clouds at 6,000 feet.
Few clouds at 25,000 feet.
Temperature 26°C.
Dew point 23°C.
Altimeter 29.98.Visual approach runway 26.
Simultaneous approaches to runway 26 and runway 32 in use.
Landing and departing runways 26 and 32.
NOTAM: UPS ramp south entrance closed. Birds near the airport.
Advise on initial contact that you have Information Papa.
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Jacksonville International Airport (KJAX)
ATIS information: Papa
Godzina: 1256 Zulu
Wind: 090° at 9 knots
Visibility: 10 miles
Clouds: Few at 2,000 ft; few at 6,000 ft; few at 25,000 ft
Temperature: 26°C
Dew point: 23°C
Altimeter: 29.98 inHg
Approach in use: Visual approach runway 26
Additional approaches: Simultaneous approaches to runways 26 and 32
Landing runways: 26 and 32
Departure runways: 26 and 32
NOTAMs: UPS ramp south entrance closed; bird activity near the airport
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- The weather conditions provide a generally favorable environment for visual approaches.
With visibility at 10 miles and only few clouds at multiple levels, pilots can expect stable conditions during approach and landing. This supports smooth operations, especially when multiple runways are active. - Simultaneous approaches to two runways increase operational complexity.
Runways 26 and 32 being used at the same time requires heightened situational awareness. Pilots must closely follow ATC instructions and remain vigilant about traffic separation during final approach. - High temperature combined with a high dew point indicates humid conditions.
Humidity can affect aircraft performance, including engine efficiency and runway takeoff distance. While not hazardous, it’s a relevant operational factor, particularly for heavy aircraft.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
What is the reported visibility?
A) 3 miles
B) 6 miles
C) 10 miles
✅ Correct answer: C) 10 miles
✍ 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
