FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)WeatherMedium
A pilot reviewing preflight weather products notes an AIRMET Sierra has been issued for the route of flight. What hazard does this AIRMET specifically advise pilots about?
- ASevere thunderstorms and hail greater than 3/4 inch in diameter
- BModerate turbulence and sustained surface winds greater than 30 knots
- CIFR conditions and extensive mountain obscuration
- DModerate icing and freezing levels
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. IFR conditions and extensive mountain obscuration
AIRMET Sierra advises of IFR conditions (ceilings below 1,000 feet and/or visibility below 3 miles affecting more than 50% of the area) and extensive mountain obscuration. AIRMET Tango covers turbulence and strong surface winds, while AIRMET Zulu covers icing and freezing levels.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Severe thunderstorms and large hail require a SIGMET or Convective SIGMET, not an AIRMET.
- B. Turbulence and strong sustained winds are covered by AIRMET Tango, not Sierra.
- D. Icing and freezing level hazards are covered by AIRMET Zulu, not Sierra.
AIRMET Categories
AIRMETs (Airmen's Meteorological Information) advise of weather hazards significant to light aircraft that are less severe than SIGMET criteria.
- AIRMET Sierra: IFR conditions and mountain obscuration
- AIRMET Tango: moderate turbulence and sustained surface winds over 30 knots
- AIRMET Zulu: moderate icing and freezing levels
- AIRMETs are issued every 6 hours with updates as needed
Memory trick: Sierra=Sight (IFR/mtn obscuration), Tango=Turbulence, Zulu=iZe (icing)