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 KPWK (Chicago Executive Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7i5gscwTvA
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 – KPWK (Chicago Executive Airport).
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 11:33 UTC at Chicago.
ATIS Transcription:
This is Chicago Executive Airport, Wheeling, Illinois.
Automated Weather Observation, time 1133 Zulu.
Wind 030 at 12 knots.
Visibility 2 miles, mist.
Sky condition: broken at 3,100 feet; broken at 2,100 feet.
Temperature 17°C.
Dew point 14°C.
Altimeter 29.83.
Remarks: Density altitude 1100 feet.
Chicago Executive Tower hours of operation:
06:00–22:00 local on weekdays.
07:00–22:00 local on weekends.
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) and pilot-controlled lighting: 119.9.
Noise abatement procedures in effect — pilots are encouraged to comply.
NOTAM: Tower closing — air missions in effect.
For additional information contact Flight Service.
IFR aircraft shall contact Chicago Approach Control on frequency 124.7 for IFR clearance and release prior to departure.
Phone number: 847-289-0092.
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK)
Godzina: 1133 Zulu
Wind: 030° at 12 knots
Visibility: 2 miles, mist
Clouds: Broken 3,100 ft; broken 2,100 ft
Temperature: 17°C
Dew point: 14°C
Altimeter: 29.83 inHg
Density altitude: 1100 ft
Tower hours: 06:00–22:00 weekdays, 07:00–22:00 weekends
CTAF / PCL frequency: 119.9
Noise abatement: Active
NOTAM: Tower closing, air missions in effect
IFR clearance frequency: 124.7
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- Reduced visibility in mist makes pattern operations and approaches more demanding.
With only 2 miles visibility, pilots must rely on instruments and maintain precise spacing in the traffic pattern. Visual references may be limited, especially when turning base to final. - Broken cloud layers at low altitudes constrain VFR operations.
Ceilings at 2,100 and 3,100 feet restrict maneuvering and may require pilots to stay lower than usual, increasing workload and reducing vertical separation margins with terrain and other traffic. - A density altitude of 1100 feet affects aircraft takeoff and climb performance.
Even though the value isn’t extreme, pilots must factor the reduced performance into their departure planning, especially on warm days or with high aircraft weight.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
What is the reported visibility?
A) 10 miles
B) 2 miles
C) 6 miles
✅ Correct answer: B) 2 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
