Understanding ATIS: A Step-by-Step Guide for Student Pilots

For student pilots in Europe, radio communication can feel like an entirely different language. Among the most important elements of that communication is ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)—a continuous broadcast containing airport-specific weather conditions, runway information, and other crucial advisories. Mastering ATIS is vital for situational awareness and helps reduce congestion on busy radio frequencies.

In this post, we’ll break down what ATIS is in a European context, how to interpret it, and why it matters for safe, efficient flights. By the end, you’ll be ready to tune in, listen carefully, and respond with confidence—essential steps on your journey from student pilot to licensed aviator.

1. What is ATIS?

Definition & Purpose

Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) is a recorded aeronautical broadcast providing updated information on:

• Weather Conditions (wind, visibility in meters, cloud coverage, temperature, dew point, and QNH)

• Runway in Use

• NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) or SNOWTAMs (in winter)

• Other Advisories (closed taxiways, bird activity, etc.)

This information helps keep Air Traffic Control (ATC) frequencies clear of repetitive updates and ensures all incoming and outgoing aircraft share the same airport environment data.

Common ATIS Elements in Europe

• Airport Identifier: The name or ICAO code of the airport.

• Information Letter: Each new ATIS broadcast is assigned a letter (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.).

• Time Stamp: Given in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

• Weather Summary: Includes wind in degrees true and knots (or meters per second in some states), visibility in meters, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting in hPa or millibars.

• Active Runway(s): Which runway(s) are in use for arrivals and departures.

• Additional Notes: Any special conditions or constraints.

  
  

2. Tuning In & Listening

Where to Find ATIS Frequencies

• Approach Charts & AIPs: European Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs), Jeppesen approach charts, or local equivalents typically list the ATIS frequency.

• Airport Information Sources: Many airports publish their ATIS frequencies on official websites or via apps, making it easy for you to practice ahead of time.

• ATC Assistance: If you’re unsure, or the frequency changes regularly, you can confirm it quickly by calling Ground or Tower.

Pro Tip: Combine your ATIS knowledge with a firm grasp of 🔗ICAO Frequencies and Numbers🔗 . Accurate readbacks for altitudes, QNH, and runway information are essential in European airspace.

Sample European ATIS Broadcast

Listen carefully, note the letter identifier (“Information Bravo”), and keep that code ready when you contact ATC.

Transcript:

"Zurich Arrival Information Kilo, at 09:20 Z, Arrivals expect ILS Approach Runway 14 , Transition Level 70, Departure Runway 28, Wind 070°/4 Kts Variable 010°/110°, Visibility 8 KM, Touchdown Zone 10 Km or more, Clouds Few 700 feet, Scattered 900 feet, Broken 1100 ft, Temperature 1°, Dewpoint -1°, QNH 1031, NOSIG".

3. Interpreting Key Details

Visibility in Meters

In Europe, visibility is commonly given in meters (for instance, 1500m, 5000m, or 9999m for 10 km or more). Pay close attention if conditions are marginal, as it might drop below 1500m or even 800m in bad weather.

Altimeter Settings (QNH)

• Hectopascals (hPa) or Millibars: Europe primarily uses hPa (sometimes also referred to as millibars). A standard setting might be around 1013 hPa at sea level.

• Read It Back Clearly: For instance, “QNH one-zero-one-three” is a typical example. Ensure you adjust your altimeter accordingly.

  
  

Runway in Use

• Runway Numbers: Refer to headings truncated to two digits (e.g., runway 20 for 200°).

• Expect Changes: If the wind shifts significantly, ATC might change the active runway—updated on the ATIS.

  
  

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Using ATIS in Europe

1. Tune the Correct Frequency: Look up the published ATIS frequency in your approach chart or AIP.

2. Listen & Note Key Data: Write down the information letter, wind, visibility (in meters), QNH, temperature, dew point, and runway in use.

3. Identify the Info Code: Each broadcast has a letter—e.g., “Information Bravo.” This letter changes every time the ATIS updates.

4. Plan & Adjust Instruments: Set your altimeter to the QNH, verify runway approach or departure plans, and be alert for any local NOTAMs or advisories.

5. Report You Have It: When you contact ATC (e.g., Tower or Ground), state you have “Information Bravo (or whichever letter is current).”

   
   

5. Common Student Pitfalls

1. Forgetting to Update: In rapidly changing weather, the ATIS might update from Bravo to Charlie. Make sure you’re using the latest information.

2. Not Writing It Down: Relying solely on memory can lead to confusion under stress, especially when dealing with decimals, meter-based visibility, and multiple advisories.

3. Incorrect QNH Settings: Mixing up hPa with other units or forgetting to input the correct setting can result in altitude misreadings—crucial in controlled airspace.

4. Neglecting Local Procedures: Some European airports have unique remarks or special instructions in the ATIS broadcast. Listen for them carefully.

   
   

6. Integrating ATIS with Other Radio Skills

1. 🔗ICAO Alphabet🔗: Ensure you’re comfortable with ICAO Alphabet basics (placeholder link) to handle Info letters and callsigns smoothly.

2. 🔗Standard Phraseology🔗: Use proper ICAO phraseology when reading back items like altitude, runway, or QNH—e.g., “QNH one-zero-one-five,” “Runway Two-Zero,” etc.

3. Get Instructor Feedback: Practicing with real or simulated ATIS recordings and then debriefing with a certified instructor helps you catch errors early.

Conclusion

Mastering ATIS in Europe is an essential step for any student pilot aiming for safe and efficient operations. By learning to tune in, jot down accurate data, and adjust your flight plans accordingly, you’ll free up valuable ATC bandwidth while ensuring you’re always informed about weather and runway status.

Ready to hone your European aviation radio skills further? Explore more resources at

🌐Level 6 Aviation🌐 to strengthen your expertise—from ICAO phraseology to advanced communication techniques. Whether it’s IFR or VFR, the skies are safer when every pilot understands the same, up-to-date information—especially when visibility is measured in meters!