Private Pilot Private Exam

Which weather phenomenon is not covered under an AIRMET?

1. Moderate turbulence

2. Severe icing

3. Ceiling below 1,000 feet

4. Winds aloft

The correct answer is: Severe icing

An AIRMET (Airmen's Meteorological Information) provides information about significant weather hazards that may affect pilots, particularly those flying under visual flight rules (VFR). While AIRMETs cover conditions like moderate turbulence, icing, and ceilings below certain altitudes, they do not address severe conditions. Severe icing, specifically, is classified under SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information), which indicates more hazardous weather than AIRMETs and includes phenomena that can significantly affect the safety and operation of an aircraft. This distinction is crucial because AIRMETs are meant for conditions that may pose a lesser threat but are still important for pilots to be aware of. Therefore, understanding the scope of AIRMET reports informs pilots about the level of weather phenomena they can anticipate while flying, and recognizing that severe icing falls under a different advisory type clarifies why it is not covered in an AIRMET.