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 TXKF (Bermuda International Airport).
👉 Watch the ATIS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SX2zqWwiDIE
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 – TXKF (Bermuda International Airport)
This is a real ATIS message. It was recorded at 12:32 UTC at St. David.
ATIS Transcription:
**L.F. Wade International Airport ATIS Information Echo, time 1232 Zulu.
Expect all instrument approaches.
Runway 30 in use.
Wind 200 degrees at 8 knots.
Visibility 10 kilometers or more.
Cloud scattered at 700 feet.
Temperature 26°C.
Dew point 23°C.
Altimeter 30.24 inches.
QNH 1024 hectopascals.
Fire service category 5.
Runway report runway 30: runway clear and dry, taxiways clear.
End of information Echo.**
✈️ Decode the ATIS
Airport: L.F. Wade International Airport
ATIS Information: Echo
Godzina: 1232 Zulu
Approach: Instrument approaches expected
Runway in use: 30
Wind: 200° at 8 knots
Visibility: 10 km or more
Clouds: SCT 700 ft
Temperature: 26°C
Dew point: 23°C
Altimeter: 30.24 inHg / QNH 1024 hPa
Fire category: 5
Runway condition: Runway 30 clear and dry; taxiways clear
✈️ Why is this important?
This ATIS is interesting because:
- Low scattered cloud at 700 feet may affect approach decision-making.
Even though visibility is good, clouds at 700 feet can influence whether a visual segment of the approach is possible, requiring pilots to remain on instruments longer during descent. - Instrument approaches are expected despite generally good visibility.
This suggests operational preference or traffic management reasons, meaning pilots must be fully prepared for instrument procedures rather than relying on visual approaches. - Warm and humid conditions may impact aircraft performance.
With a temperature of 26°C and dew point of 23°C, the air is very humid, which can slightly reduce engine efficiency and increase takeoff distances.
✈️ Practice Question (Exam Style)
You listen to the ATIS.
The question is:
According to the ATIS, what is the runway condition for runway 30?
A) Wet and slippery
B) Contaminated with standing water
C) Clear and dry
✅ Correct answer: C) Clear and dry
✍ 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
