What is SIGMET?

• A. A weather advisory for significant meteorological events hazardous to aircraft.
• B. A forecast of turbulence only near airports.
• C. A routine notice of maintenance on navigation aids.
• D. A flight crew alert about airspace restrictions.

Answer: (A)

SIGMET is a weather advisory issued for significant meteorological phenomena that could be hazardous to aircraft. It communicates timely, location-specific information about weather hazards that can affect flight safety, such as severe icing, severe turbulence, dust or sand storms, volcanic ash clouds, and certain tropical cyclone activity. This guidance helps pilots avoid or mitigate exposure to dangerous weather across the affected area and flight levels. It’s not about routine maintenance notices, nor is it limited to turbulence near airports or to airspace restrictions. Convective SIGMETs address significant weather from strong thunderstorms, while SIGMETs cover non-convective hazards, with the advisories issued for appropriate regions and valid times.