An AIRMET (AIRman's METeorological Information) advises of weatherthat maybe hazardous, other than convective activity, to single engine, other light aircraft, and Visual Flight Rule (VFR) pilots. However, operators of largeaircraft may also be concerned with these phenomena. The items covered are:
AIRMET Sierra (IFR):AIRMET Tango (Turbulence):
AIRMET Zulu (Icing):
These AIRMET items are considered to be widespread because theymust be affecting or be forecast to affect an area of at least 3000 squaremiles at any one time. However, if the total area to be affected during the forecast period is very large, it could be that only a small portion of this total area would be affected at any one time.
AIRMETs are routinely issued for 6 hour periods beginning at 0145 UTC during Central Daylight Time and at 0245 UTC during Central Standard Time.AIRMETS are also amended as necessary due to changing weather conditions or issuance/cancelation of a SIGMET.
Graphical AIRMETs, or G-AIRMETs, show areas having terrain (Sierra), turbulence (Tango), and icing (Zulu) hazards.
Symbol key
An orange boundary (turbulence symbol) indicates high turbulence. The altitude range is included in an orange details box. The top number gives the height of the top of the turbulence layer; and the bottom number gives the altitude of the bottom of the turbulence layer. Altitudes are labeled in hundreds of feet.A red boundary (turbulence symbol) indicates low turbulence. The altitude range is included in a red details box. The top number gives the height of the top of the turbulence layer; and the bottom number gives the altitude of the bottom of the turbulence layer. Altitudes are labeled in hundreds of feet.
A pink boundary (dashed) indicates mountain obscurity. The cause for obscuration of mountain peaks is listed at the bottom of a pink details box. Codes are as follows: CLDS clouds; PCPN precipitation; BR mist; FG fog; HZ haze; FU smoke.
A purple boundary (solid line) indicates areas where Instrument Flight Rules are required. The cause for low ceiling or reduced visibility is listed at the bottom of a purple details box. Codes are as follows: PCPN precipitation; BR mist; FG fog; HZ haze; FU smoke; BLSN blowing snow.
A dark blue boundary (circle, line dashed) indicates icing conditions. The altitude range is included in a blue details box. The top number gives the height of the top icing layer; and the bottom left number gives the height of the lowest icing layer. If a bottom right number is listed, it means the bottom of the icing layer varies between these altitudes over the specific area. Altitudes are labeled in hundreds of feet.
A blue boundary (zig-zag and tick marks) indicates freezing levels. Freezing level altitude can either be listed as a single number or a range if freezing occurs at multiple heights.
Certainly! Now, let me take you through the concepts used in the article you shared.
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AIRMET (AIRman's METeorological Information): AIRMET is a crucial advisory system for pilots, providing information on non-convective weather hazards that might be hazardous to light aircraft and Visual Flight Rule (VFR) pilots. It covers various aspects, as outlined in AIRMET Sierra, Tango, and Zulu.
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AIRMET Sierra (IFR): This category deals with weather conditions causing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) challenges. It includes ceilings less than 1000 feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles affecting over 50% of the area at one time, along with extensive mountain obscuration.
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AIRMET Tango (Turbulence): AIRMET Tango focuses on turbulence, specifically moderate turbulence and sustained surface winds of 30 knots or more at the surface.
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AIRMET Zulu (Icing): AIRMET Zulu addresses the risk of icing, covering moderate icing and freezing levels.
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Widespread Impact: AIRMET items are considered widespread if they affect or are forecasted to affect an area of at least 3000 square miles at any one time. The significance is in the broad geographical impact of these meteorological conditions.
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AIRMET Periodicity: AIRMETs are routinely issued for 6-hour periods beginning at specific UTC times during Central Daylight Time and Central Standard Time. This ensures timely and relevant information for pilots.
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Amendments: AIRMETs can be amended due to changing weather conditions or the issuance/cancellation of a SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information). Flexibility in updating information is critical for accurate and current advisories.
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Graphical AIRMETs (G-AIRMETs): G-AIRMETs provide a visual representation of areas affected by terrain (Sierra), turbulence (Tango), and icing (Zulu) hazards. The symbols and colors used in G-AIRMETs convey specific information about the type and severity of the hazards.
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Symbol Key: The article provides a symbol key for interpreting G-AIRMETs. Different colors and shapes represent various conditions such as turbulence, mountain obscurity, and icing. Altitude ranges are specified to give pilots a clear understanding of the vertical extent of these hazards.
By understanding these concepts, pilots can make informed decisions based on real-time meteorological information, ensuring the safety of flights in challenging weather conditions.
