Owner's manual

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

UNDERSTANDING AIRMETS

The following is an example of a typical AIRMET with an explanation of the

elements.

1. Forecast Area: CHIT

This is the station identifier of the issuing Weather Service Forecast

Office.

BOS Boston

CHI Chicago

DFW Dallas/Ft. Worth

MIA Miami

SFO San Fransisco

SLC Salt Lake City

The T denotes the reason for the AIRMET. This could be one of the

following:

S Sierra IFR Ceilings less than 1,000 feet and/or visi-

bility less than 3 miles affecting over 50%

of the area at one time or extensive moun-

tain obscuration.

T Tango Turbulence Moderate turbulence, sustained surface

winds of 30 knots or more at the surface

or low level windshear.

Z Zulu Icing Moderate icing and/or freezing levels.

AIRMET items are considered widespread. Widespread is considered

an area of at least 3,000 square miles.

2. Report Type: WA

WA identifies an AIRMET.

3. Date and Time Issued: 151900

15 indicates the 15th day of the month. 1900 indicates UTC.

CHIT WA 151900 AMD

AIRMET TANGO UPDT 2 FOR TURB

VALID UNTIL 160100

AIRMET TURB...KS MO

FROM MCI TO STL TO SGF TO ICT TO MCI

MOD TURB BLW 100 EXPCD

CONDS IPVG AFT 160000Z

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