AIRMET

AIRMET (WA) is broadcasted for weather phenomena that potentially affects all aircraft. For pilots of light aircraft, AIRMETs (acronym for "AIRman's METeorological information) give valuable information about the following conditions: moderate icing, moderate turbulence, sustained winds 30 knots or greater at the surface, widespread area with a ceiling of less than 1,000 feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles and extensive obscurement of mountains. These are important to light aircraft, as they have limited flight capabilities due to lack of equipment and/or instrumentation and less pilot flight experience.

A sample AIRMET is shown below.

MIAP WAS 151900
AIRMET PAPA 2 VALID UNTIL 160100
GA FL
FROM SAV TO JAX TO CTY TO TLH TO SAV
MDT TURBC BLO 100 EXPCD.
CONDS IPVG AFT 160000Z

Line 1
Miami AIRMET issued on the 15th day of the month at 1900

Line 2
This AIRMET is the second one issued (PAPA 2) concerning the weather phenomenon described in this report and is valid until the 16th day of the month at 0100. (Note: The first report of a different weather hazard would have been noted by OSCAR, with its second notice given the notation OSCAR 2. The first report of a weather hazard different from the first one would have been labeled PAPA with its second notice given the notation PAPA 2.; The first report of a weather hazard different from the first two would have been labeled QUEBEC with its second notice given the notation QUEBEC 2.; that is alphabetical order beginning with O-P-Q;

Line 3
This weather information is for the Georgia and Florida area

Line 4
The area bounded by these cities: Savanna, GA to Jacksonville, FL; to Tallahassee, FL to Savannah, GA.

Line 5
Moderate (MDT) turbulence (TURBC) below 10,000 feet expected

Line 6
With conditions improving after the 16th day of the month 0000 Zulu time