FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)WeatherMedium
A pilot receives notice of a Convective SIGMET issued along the planned route of flight. What hazardous condition does this advisory specifically address?
- ASevere turbulence unrelated to thunderstorm activity
- BWidespread dust or sandstorms reducing surface visibility below 3 miles
- CSevere or embedded thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes
- DModerate icing occurring in stratiform cloud layers
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Severe or embedded thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes
Convective SIGMETs are issued for hazardous convective weather including severe or embedded thunderstorms, lines of thunderstorms, hail 3/4 inch or greater, and tornadoes. They are issued for significant convective activity, unlike AIRMETs which cover more moderate hazards.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Convective SIGMETs are tied specifically to thunderstorm-related turbulence, not unrelated severe turbulence.
- B. Dust/sandstorms reducing visibility are covered by SIGMETs but not specifically the convective type.
- D. Moderate icing in stratiform clouds would be covered by an AIRMET Zulu, not a Convective SIGMET.
Convective SIGMET
A weather advisory for hazardous convective weather, including severe thunderstorms, embedded thunderstorms, lines of thunderstorms, hail 3/4 inch or larger, and tornadoes.
- Issued for significant convective activity affecting safety of flight
- Valid for up to 2 hours, with updates as needed
- Distinct from AIRMETs, which cover moderate-severity hazards
Memory trick: Convective SIGMET = Storms, hail, tornadoes—SIGnificant convective threats