FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What is included in a Convective SIGMET?

1. Areas of fog

2. Heavy showers

3. Tornadoes and hail

4. Freezing rain events

The correct answer is: Tornadoes and hail

A Convective SIGMET is specifically issued to alert pilots and air traffic controllers about significant convective weather phenomena, primarily to ensure safety during flight operations. The inclusion of tornadoes and hail in a Convective SIGMET is crucial because these conditions pose immediate and severe hazards to aviation. Tornadoes can cause rapid and destructive wind changes, while hail can damage aircraft surfaces and systems. In contrast, areas of fog, heavy showers, and freezing rain events do not meet the criteria for a Convective SIGMET. Although they can certainly affect flight safety, they are covered under different weather advisories. Fog tends to be addressed in terminal aerodrome forecasts and visibility warnings rather than SIGMETs specifically focused on convective activity. Heavy showers can occur without significant thunderstorm activity and thus wouldn't qualify for a convective warning. Freezing rain, being an icing condition, is also covered under different advisories, highlighting the specific focus of Convective SIGMETs on thunderstorm-related phenomena and their direct hazards.