Which statement correctly differentiates AIRMET from SIGMET?

Which statement correctly differentiates AIRMET from SIGMET?

• A. AIRMET describes weather along a route; SIGMET covers significant weather affecting all aircraft.
• B. AIRMET is for weather forecasts only; SIGMET for current observations.
• C. AIRMET is for smaller weather phenomena along a route; SIGMET covers significant weather affecting all aircraft.
• D. AIRMET is for military flights; SIGMET for civil flights.

Answer: (C)

AIRMETs and SIGMETs are two levels of aviation weather advisories, distinguished by severity and scope. AIRMETs alert pilots to lighter to moderate weather phenomena that can affect smaller aircraft or en route segments, such as moderate icing, moderate turbulence, or mountain obscuration. They’re intended for broader areas but not life-threatening conditions for all aircraft. SIGMETs, on the other hand, warn of significant weather hazards that could affect all aircraft, including severe icing, severe turbulence, active thunderstorms, and events like dust, sand, or volcanic ash clouds. So describing AIRMET as for smaller weather phenomena along a route and SIGMET as covering significant weather affecting all aircraft accurately reflects the difference in impact and applicability.

AIRMETs and SIGMETs are two levels of aviation weather advisories, distinguished by severity and scope. AIRMETs alert pilots to lighter to moderate weather phenomena that can affect smaller aircraft or en route segments, such as moderate icing, moderate turbulence, or mountain obscuration. They’re intended for broader areas but not life-threatening conditions for all aircraft. SIGMETs, on the other hand, warn of significant weather hazards that could affect all aircraft, including severe icing, severe turbulence, active thunderstorms, and events like dust, sand, or volcanic ash clouds.

So describing AIRMET as for smaller weather phenomena along a route and SIGMET as covering significant weather affecting all aircraft accurately reflects the difference in impact and applicability.