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 MMMX (Mexico City International Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IGiHPCCcMOQ
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 – MMMX (Mexico City International Airport)
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 11:45 UTC at St. David.
ATIS Transcription:
**Mexico City International Airport ATIS Information Delta, issued at 1145 Zulu.
Wind 100 degrees at 4 knots.
Visibility 12 miles.
Clouds at 10,000 feet.
Ceiling 22,000 feet broken.
Temperature 13°C.
Dew point 9°C.
Altimeter 30.27.
No significant changes expected.
Runway 05 in use.
Expect ILS approach runway 05R.
IFR clearance available via data link.
NOTAM: Holding bay B2 closed.
Advise on initial contact you have Information Delta.**
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Mexico City International Airport
ATIS Information: Delta
Godzina: 1145 Zulu
Wind: 100° at 4 knots
Visibility: 12 miles
Clouds: Layer at 10,000 ft; broken ceiling at 22,000 ft
Temperature: 13°C
Dew point: 9°C
Altimeter: 30.27 inHg
Runway in use: 05
Approach: ILS 05R
Forecast: No significant changes (NOSIG)
Clearance: IFR via data link
NOTAM: Holding bay B2 closed
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- High cloud ceilings support stable and unrestricted approaches.
With a broken layer at 22,000 feet and additional clouds at 10,000 feet, aircraft remain well clear of cloud during most of the approach, allowing for smooth descent and easy visual transition if required. - Light winds reduce operational constraints.
Wind at only 4 knots provides minimal crosswind component, making takeoff and landing more predictable and easier to manage. - NOSIG forecast indicates stable weather conditions.
No significant changes expected means pilots can rely on current conditions remaining consistent during arrival and departure.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
According to the ATIS, what approach is expected?
A) Visual approach runway 05
B) ILS approach runway 05R
C) RNAV approach runway 05L
✅ Correct answer: B) ILS approach runway 05R
✍ 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
