FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Weather Theory and ServicesMedium
A pilot reviewing weather products for a cross-country flight sees that an AIRMET Zulu has been issued for the route. What hazard does this specifically indicate?
- AModerate icing conditions and freezing levels
- BSevere or extreme turbulence associated with thunderstorms
- CWidespread sandstorms or dust storms reducing visibility
- DSevere icing requiring immediate pilot report
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Moderate icing conditions and freezing levels
AIRMET Zulu advises of moderate icing conditions and provides freezing level information. AIRMET Sierra covers IFR conditions and mountain obscuration, while AIRMET Tango covers turbulence, strong surface winds, and low-level wind shear. Severe conditions are instead covered by SIGMETs.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Severe turbulence from thunderstorms would be covered by a Convective SIGMET, not AIRMET Zulu.
- C. Widespread dust/sandstorms reducing visibility below 3 miles is covered by SIGMET, not AIRMET Zulu.
- D. Severe icing is reported via SIGMET, since AIRMETs cover only moderate-intensity hazards.
AIRMET Zulu
An AIRMET (Airmen's Meteorological Information) advisory for moderate icing conditions and forecast freezing levels, significant to light aircraft and VFR operations but less severe than SIGMET criteria.
- AIRMET Sierra = IFR conditions and mountain obscuration
- AIRMET Tango = turbulence, strong surface winds, low-level wind shear
- AIRMET Zulu = moderate icing and freezing level heights
- SIGMETs cover more severe or extreme hazards affecting all aircraft
Memory trick: Sierra=Sky(IFR), Tango=Turbulence, Zulu=iced (freeZing)