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 KADS (Addison Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/H_LHJfJ3q80
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 – KADS (Addison Airport)
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 17:47 UTC at Addison Airport in USA.
ATIS Transcription:
Addison Airport information, Whiskey, time 1747Z, weather, wind, 200 at 8, gust 15, visibility 13,
sky clear, temperature 22, dew point 13, altimeter 298.9, visual approach in use, landing and
departing runway 16.
Caution, Airpark Dallas Airport located 3 miles north of Addison Airport may be mistaken for
Addison Airport.
For IFR clearance or VFR flight following, contact Ground Control on 121.6 prior to taxi.
VFR arrivals to Addison, contact Lone Star Approach on 124.25.
IFR, Property Purchase Advised Tower, you are IFR.
Advise on initial contact, you have Whiskey.
✈️ Decode the ATIS
– Time: 26th at 17:47 UTC.,
– Wind: Wind from 200° (south-southwest) at 8 knots, with gusts reaching 15
knots,
– Visibility: Visibility 13 statute miles (greater than 10 km, excellent visibility),
– Clouds: Sky Clear (no significant cloud cover),
– Temperature: 22°C, Dew Point 13°C,
– Altimeter: 29.89 inHg,
– Runway in use: 16.
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- Sky clear conditions mean no cloud cover or obstructions to sunlight, providing optimal visibility and stable atmospheric conditions, ideal for smooth approaches and departures.
- With a temperature of 22°C and dew point of 13°C, the spread of 9°C suggests no risk of fog or low-level mist, further enhancing flight safety.
- The altimeter setting of 29.89 inHg indicates normal pressure conditions, ensuring accurate altitude readings for all aircraft in the vicinity.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS. The question is:
What is the reported wind condition?
A) Calm winds
B) From 200° at 8 knots, gusting to 15 knots ✅
C) From 160° at 15 knots
✅ Correct answer: B) From 200° at 8 knots, gusting to 15 knots
✍ 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
