Answer :
Final answer:
An AIRMET is a routine meteorological report issued every 6 hours, valid for 12 hours, covering conditions like turbulence, icing, and mountain obscuration to inform pilots, especially of light aircraft, about potential weather hazards.
Explanation:
The question asks, "What is an AIRMET? Issue, valid times, types?" An AIRMET, or Airmen's Meteorological Information, is a vital tool in aviation meteorology, designed to inform pilots of potential weather hazards that may not reach the criteria of a SIGMET but are still significant for the safety of light aircraft. The correct answer is: AIRMETs are routine weather reports issued every 6 hours and are valid for 12 hours.
They cover conditions such as turbulence, icing, and mountain obscuration. Unlike more urgent weather warnings like SIGMETs, AIRMETs cater to all aircraft but are particularly critical for smaller, less capable aircraft, providing a forecast and warning about less severe conditions that could affect flight safety.