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 Airport)
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kEIgqluLlA
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 Airport).
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 16:20 UTC at Mannheim.
ATIS Transcription:
**This is Mannheim Information Whiskey at 1620 Zulu.
Expect circling approach.
Runway 09 in use.
Transition level 60.
Wind variable between 030 degrees and 120 degrees at 2 knots.
Visibility runway 27 touchdown zone 10 kilometers.
Cloud overcast at 3000 feet.
Temperature 7°C.
Dew point 3°C.
QNH 1024 hectopascals.
Information Whiskey out.**
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Mannheim Airport
ATIS Information: Whiskey
Godzina: 1620 Zulu
Approach: Circling approach expected
Runway in use: 09
Transition level: FL060
Wind: Variable between 030° and 120° at 2 knots
Visibility: 10 km (touchdown zone runway 27)
Clouds: OVC 3000 ft
Temperature: 7°C
Dew point: 3°C
QNH: 1024 hPa
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- Circling approaches require continuous visual reference with the runway environment.
Unlike a straight-in instrument approach, a circling approach requires pilots to maneuver visually after completing the instrument segment. This increases workload and demands strong situational awareness, especially close to the ground - An overcast layer at 3,000 feet may influence visual maneuvering.
Although the cloud base is high enough to allow circling operations, pilots must remain aware of cloud clearance requirements and ensure they maintain visual contact with the runway throughout the maneuver. - Very light and variable winds simplify aircraft handling.
With wind only 2 knots and varying direction, there is minimal impact on takeoff and landing performance. However, runway selection is driven primarily by operational considerations rather than wind direction.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
According to the ATIS, what type of approach should pilots expect?
A) ILS approach runway 09
B) RNAV approach runway 27
C) Circling approach
✅ Correct answer: C) Circling approach
✍ 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
