FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)WeatherEasy
A pilot is planning a flight through an area where an AIRMET Tango has been issued. What specific weather phenomenon should the pilot anticipate?
- AExtensive areas of IFR conditions or mountain obscuration.
- BWidespread volcanic ash or tropical cyclones.
- CModerate turbulence or sustained surface winds of 30 knots or greater.
- DModerate icing or freezing precipitation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Moderate turbulence or sustained surface winds of 30 knots or greater.
AIRMETs (Airmen's Meteorological Information) are advisories for moderate weather conditions. AIRMET Tango specifically advises of moderate turbulence, sustained surface winds of 30 knots or greater, or non-convective low-level wind shear.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes AIRMET Sierra, which is for IFR conditions and mountain obscuration.
- B. Volcanic ash and tropical cyclones are covered by SIGMETs or Tropical Cyclone Advisories, not AIRMETs.
- D. This describes AIRMET Zulu, which is for moderate icing and freezing precipitation.
AIRMET Tango
An AIRMET Tango is an in-flight weather advisory issued for moderate turbulence, sustained surface winds of 30 knots or greater, or non-convective low-level wind shear. It is intended for all aircraft, including helicopters, to highlight potentially hazardous weather.
- Issued for moderate turbulence.
- Also covers sustained surface winds ≥ 30 knots.
- Indicates non-convective low-level wind shear.
Memory trick: STZ: Sierra (visibility), Tango (turbulence), Zulu (icing).