FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Weather Theory and ServicesMedium
A pilot receives a weather briefing indicating an area of 'patchy moderate rime icing in clouds between 060 and 120' along the planned route. This information was likely conveyed through which type of weather product?
- AAn AIRMET Zulu (WA Z).
- BA SIGMET (WS).
- CAn AIRMET Tango (WA T).
- DA Convective SIGMET (WST).
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. An AIRMET Zulu (WA Z).
AIRMET Zulu specifically advises pilots of moderate icing and provides freezing level information. 'Moderate rime icing in clouds' directly falls under the criteria for an AIRMET Zulu.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. SIGMETs are for severe icing, severe turbulence, or dust/sand storms reducing visibility to less than 3 miles over a wide area, or volcanic ash. The reported icing is 'moderate', not 'severe'.
- C. AIRMET Tango is for moderate turbulence, sustained surface winds of 30 knots or greater, or non-convective low-level wind shear.
- D. Convective SIGMETs are for severe thunderstorms, not icing.
AIRMET Zulu
An AIRMET Zulu (WA Z) advises of moderate icing and provides freezing level heights.
- Issued for moderate icing conditions.
- Includes information on freezing levels.
- Valid for up to 6 hours.
Memory trick: AIRMETs are 'Always Important, Moderate Enough' warnings; SIGMETs are 'Seriously Intense, Greater' dangers.