Decode and apply information contained in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP Book) and the Enroute Supplement Australia (ERSA) to understand Aerodrome Weather Forecasts and Reports.

AIP
Meteological Services: Gen 3.5
Definitions and Abbreviations: Gen 2.2

ERSA
Meteological Services

The AIP and ERSA Books can be purchased or access online and/or downloaded from the Airservices Australia web site after agreeing to their Terms and Conditions. Airservices Australia

AIRMET

AIRMET infonnation ooncems the occurrence or expected occurrence, in an area over which meteorological watch is being maintained, of one or more of the following phenomena when the phenomena have not been included in a current Area Forecast:

• Isolated and occasional thunderstonns
• Moderate icing
• Moderate turbulence, when this is expected to occur in an area or at a time, where or when it is not a normal seasonal feature;
• Extensive areas of visibility of less than 8KM
• Extensive areas of cloud coverage of BKN or OVC below 1,500FT above ground level
• When the wind at the lowest level forecast (e.g. 2,000FT) is expected to increase by at least 20KT to at least 40KT.

AIRMET infonnation, which concerns phenomena of a lesser degree of severity than SIGMET infonnation, is given to aircraft operating below FL200.

AIRMET information is issued by MET forecasters and disseminated by ATS as an element of ATC initiated FIS, to aircraft operating on routes or in areas likely to be affected. It will indicate the locality or area in which the phenomena exist or are expected to exist.

SHORT AIREP

Pilots in command who encounter any of the above phenomena, which have not been notified by aforecast or an AIRMET advice, should report the details by SHORT AIREP.

AIRMEF information is additional to SIGMET infonnation, which is Issued to all aircraft types.