FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)WeatherEasy
A CFII is explaining to a student the different types of weather advisories. Which of the following advisories specifically warns pilots about widespread areas of IFR conditions or moderate icing?
- APIREP
- BAIRMET Sierra or Zulu
- CSIGMET
- DConvective SIGMET
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. AIRMET Sierra or Zulu
AIRMETs (Airmen's Meteorological Information) are advisories for all pilots concerning weather phenomena that are potentially hazardous to aircraft. AIRMET Sierra specifically addresses widespread IFR conditions, and AIRMET Zulu addresses moderate icing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. PIREPs (Pilot Reports) are actual observations submitted by pilots, not a type of weather advisory warning issued by meteorologists.
- C. SIGMETs (Significant Meteorological Information) warn of severe weather phenomena, such as severe turbulence, severe icing, or dust/sand storms, but not specifically widespread IFR conditions or moderate icing.
- D. Convective SIGMETs warn of severe thunderstorms and related phenomena, not widespread IFR or moderate icing.
AIRMET Categories
AIRMETs (Airmen's Meteorological Information) are weather advisories for all pilots concerning weather phenomena that are potentially hazardous to aircraft, but do not meet SIGMET criteria.
- Issued for moderate hazards over widespread areas.
- Updated every 6 hours or as needed.
- Three types: Sierra (IFR/Mountain Obscuration), Tango (Turbulence), Zulu (Icing/Freezing Level).
Memory trick: Pilots Use SIGMETs And AIRMETs for Warnings