ATIS Training – CYAM (Sault Ste. Marie Airport)

  ATIS Example – CYAM (Sault Ste. Marie Airport).

This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 16:00 UTC at Sault Ste. Marie

ATIS Transcription:

**This is Sault Ste. Marie Information India, weather at 1600 Zulu.
Wind variable at 2 knots.
Visibility 15 miles.
Ceiling 9,300 feet broken.
16,000 feet broken.
24,000 feet broken.
Temperature -1°C.
Dew point -4°C.
Altimeter 29.98.
RNAV approach runway 12.
RNAV approach runway 22.
Landing and departing runways 12 and 22.
Runway surface condition runway 12:
Runway condition code 6 / 6 / 6.
Dry / dry / dry.
Valid from March 3 at 1003 Zulu until March 3 at 1803 Zulu.
Runway surface condition runway 22:
Runway condition code 6 / 6 / 6.
10% ice / 10% ice / 10% ice.
Valid from March 3 at 1004 Zulu until March 3 at 1804 Zulu.
Inform ATC that you have Information India.**

✈️ Decode the ATIS

Airport: Sault Ste. Marie Airport
ATIS Information: India
Godzina: 1600 Zulu
Wind: Variable at 2 knots
Visibility: 15 miles
Clouds: BKN 9,300 ft; BKN 16,000 ft; BKN 24,000 ft
Temperature: -1°C
Dew point: -4°C
Altimeter: 29.98 inHg
Approaches: RNAV runway 12 and RNAV runway 22
Landing runways: 12 and 22
Departure runways: 12 and 22
Runway 12 condition: RCC 6/6/6, dry/dry/dry
Runway 22 condition: RCC 6/6/6, 10% ice on all thirds

✈️ Why is this important?

This ATIS is interesting because:

1. Runway 22 contains reported ice contamination despite an RCC of 6/6/6.
   Although the runway condition code indicates very good braking performance, the presence of 10% ice across all runway sections means pilots should remain cautious during landing and takeoff. Even limited contamination can affect directional control and stopping performance, especially in freezing temperatures.
2. Cold temperatures increase the potential for icing and slippery surfaces.
   With a temperature of -1°C and a dew point of -4°C, conditions are favorable for frost, ice formation, and contaminated pavement. Pilots should carefully evaluate aircraft icing and runway performance considerations.
3. RNAV approaches require accurate satellite navigation.
   Since both runways use RNAV procedures, pilots must ensure their navigation systems are properly configured and monitor lateral and vertical guidance throughout the approach.

✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)

You listen to the ATIS.

The question is:
According to the ATIS, what contamination is reported on runway 22?

A) 25% snow on all thirds
B) 10% ice on all thirds
C) Standing water on all thirds

✅ Correct answer: B) 10% ice on all thirds

✍ 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!