What is an AIRMET?

• A. Inflight weather advisory concerning weather phenomena of operational interest to all aircraft and potentially hazardous to aircraft with limited equipment.
• B. A forecast of upper-level winds.
• C. A type of NOTAM.
• D. A maintenance bulletin.

Answer: (A)

An AIRMET is an inflight weather advisory for weather phenomena of operational interest to all aircraft and potentially hazardous to aircraft with limited equipment. It warns of hazards that are significant but not as severe as those in SIGMETs, helping pilots plan for safer flight even when flying smaller planes or with limited instrument capabilities. Typical concerns include moderate icing, moderate turbulence, and conditions that reduce visibility or ceilings (IFR) or cause mountain obscuration. AIRMETs are issued about every six hours and valid for six hours, with updates as needed, and they’re categorized into Sierra (IFR/mountain obscuration), Tango (moderate turbulence and surface winds), and Zulu (icing). This differs from a Winds Aloft forecast (upper-level winds), NOTAMs (facility or airspace notices), and maintenance bulletins.