Which statement about AIRMETs is true?

• A. They are issued only for tropical storms
• B. They are intended for dissemination to all pilots and are lower intensity than SIGMETs
• C. They are only for IFR operations
• D. They are always valid for 24 hours

Answer: (B)

AIRMETs are weather advisories for the en route phase of flight that warn about moderate conditions that could affect many pilots, not just those on instrument flight. They’re designed to be widely distributed so all pilots are aware of potential hazards. That’s why the statement describing them as intended for dissemination to all pilots and being lower in intensity than SIGMETs is the correct one. AIRMETs cover conditions like icing, turbulence, and IFR/mountain-obscuration that are significant but not severe, and they’re issued for about six hours.

They’re not limited to IFR operations or to tropical storms, and they aren’t issued for a full 24 hours. They provide timely, broadcast information to help pilots plan and adjust routes or altitudes to stay safe, whether flying VFR or IFR.