Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

What is an AIRMET?

1. A significant weather warning

2. A general weather advisory for airmen

3. A terminal area forecast

4. An aviation weather report

The correct answer is: A general weather advisory for airmen

An AIRMET, which stands for Airmen's Meteorological Advisory, is specifically designed as a general weather advisory for airmen. It provides information on weather phenomena that may affect the safety of flight for pilots operating under visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. AIRMETs address weather conditions that are not severe enough to warrant a SIGMET but could still pose significant risks to aircraft and their operations. The information in an AIRMET typically includes details on moderate turbulence, icing, and restricted visibility due to weather phenomena such as low ceilings or fog. This advisory helps pilots make informed decisions about their routes and altitudes, ensuring that they are aware of potentially hazardous weather conditions that might impact their flight operations. While significant weather warnings and terminal area forecasts also provide important meteorological information, they serve different purposes and focus. AIRMETs specifically target everyday weather situations that could be troubling for less experienced or VFR pilots without aiming at severe weather coverage, which is handled by SIGMETs. Therefore, identifying an AIRMET as a general weather advisory for airmen encapsulates its purpose effectively.