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 LSZB (Bern Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LZrxKSShhoc
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 – LSZB (Bern Airport).
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 12:20 UTC at Bern.
ATIS Transcription:
**This is Bern Information Victor at 1220 Zulu.
ILS approach runway 14.
Circling to runway 32.
Transition level 70.
Bern Clearance Delivery not active.
Wind 270 degrees at 6 knots, varying between 200 and 310 degrees.
CAVOK.
Temperature 29°C.
Dew point 9°C.
QNH 1021 hectopascals.
Advise on initial contact you have Information Victor.**
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: Bern
ATIS Information: Victor
Godzina: 1220 Zulu
Approach: ILS runway 14
Landing: Circling runway 32
Transition level: FL070
Clearance Delivery: Not active
Wind: 270° at 6 knots, varying between 200° and 310°
Weather: CAVOK
Temperature: 29°C
Dew point: 9°C
QNH: 1021 hPa
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- Circling approach increases pilot workload and requires strong visual conditions.
Flying an ILS to runway 14 followed by a circling maneuver to land on runway 32 demands precise aircraft control, terrain awareness, and continuous visual reference with the runway. - CAVOK conditions make circling operations safer and more manageable.
With excellent visibility and no significant cloud below 5,000 feet, pilots can maintain visual contact throughout the maneuver, which is essential for safe circling approaches. - Variable wind may influence the final segment of the circling maneuver.
Although wind speed is moderate, variation between 200° and 310° can affect aircraft alignment during the final turn and landing.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
What type of approach is used according to the ATIS?
A) RNAV approach runway 32
B) ILS runway 14 with circling to runway 32
C) Visual approach runway 14
✅ Correct answer: B) ILS runway 14 with circling to runway 32
✍ 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
