FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)WeatherHard
A pilot is flying at 8,000 feet MSL and encounters an area of continuous moderate to severe turbulence. Which of the following weather advisories would be the most appropriate source of information for this condition?
- AA Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET).
- BAn Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR).
- CA Routine Pilot Report (PIREP).
- DA Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF).
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET).
SIGMETs (Significant Meteorological Information) are issued for significant, non-convective weather phenomena that are potentially hazardous to all aircraft, including severe turbulence, severe icing, and widespread dust/sandstorms. Continuous moderate to severe turbulence clearly falls under this category, warranting a SIGMET for its hazardous nature and impact on all aircraft.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect. A METAR is an observation of current weather conditions at a specific airport, not a forecast or advisory for en route hazards.
- C. Incorrect. A PIREP is a report *from* a pilot, not an advisory *for* a pilot about widespread hazardous conditions.
- D. Incorrect. A TAF is a forecast for a specific airport and its immediate vicinity, not for widespread, hazardous en route conditions.
SIGMET Purpose
A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) is a weather advisory issued for significant, non-convective weather phenomena that are potentially hazardous to all aircraft, such as severe icing, severe turbulence, or widespread dust/sandstorms.
- Issued for all aircraft.
- Covers widespread, non-convective weather.
- Valid for up to 4 hours (or 6 hours for hurricanes/typhoons).
- Warns of severe icing, severe turbulence, dust/sandstorms, volcanic ash.
Memory trick: Advisories: Always Advise Airmen.