FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

How frequently are SIGMETs issued?

1. Every 30 minutes

2. At the hour and half-hour

3. At 15 and 45 minutes past the hour

4. Every hour on the hour

The correct answer is: At 15 and 45 minutes past the hour

SIGMETs, or Significant Meteorological Information, are issued when there's a significant weather event that warrants immediate attention in relation to aviation operations. They are particularly focused on conditions that can affect flight safety, such as severe turbulence, thunderstorms, or volcanic ash. The correct answer reflects that SIGMETs are generally issued at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. This schedule allows for timely updates to be disseminated to pilots and airline operations, ensuring that they have the most current information regarding potentially hazardous weather conditions relevant to their flight routes. This timing is crucial in dynamic weather scenarios, as conditions can change rapidly. In contrast, the other frequencies mentioned do not align with the established protocol for SIGMET issuance, which is specifically designed to ensure pilots receive updates at intervals that adequately inform them of significant weather changes without overwhelming them with unnecessary information.