SIGMET, AIRMET & GAMET explained
Beyond METAR and TAF, there are three more official weather products that specifically warn about en-route hazards: SIGMET, AIRMET and GAMET. All three come from the responsible Meteorological Watch Offices, but differ in severity, target audience and area of coverage.
SIGMET – significant weather hazards for everyone
A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) warns of weather phenomena hazardous to all aircraft: embedded or obscured thunderstorms, squall lines with hail, severe turbulence, severe icing, mountain waves, volcanic ash, tropical cyclones, and sand/duststorms. A SIGMET describes the phenomenon, the affected area (usually as a polygon), altitude band, movement and trend – and is normally valid for up to four hours, or up to six hours for volcanic ash or tropical cyclones.
AIRMET – same idea, lower threshold
An AIRMET (Airmen's Meteorological Information) reports weather phenomena below the SIGMET threshold that are still operationally significant for smaller, slower aircraft – moderate rather than severe turbulence or icing, widespread low ceilings or visibility, or strong surface winds. AIRMETs aren't issued everywhere; in parts of Europe, the GAMET fills this role instead.
GAMET – Europe's regional forecast for low-level flight
The GAMET (General Aviation Meteorological Information) is an area forecast common in Europe, specifically for low-level flight, typically up to FL100 (higher over mountainous terrain). It covers an entire flight information region (FIR) and describes surface wind, visibility, weather, cloud, freezing level, mountain obscuration and relevant warnings for the validity period – usually six hours. For VFR flight planning in Europe, the GAMET is often the most practical source for the broader weather picture beyond individual airports' METAR and TAF.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get SIGMETs as a VFR pilot too?
Yes. SIGMETs apply to all aircraft, regardless of IFR or VFR. Some of the reported hazards, like severe thunderstorms or strong turbulence, are especially critical for small VFR aircraft.
How often are SIGMETs updated?
A SIGMET is usually valid for up to four hours (up to six hours for volcanic ash or tropical cyclones) and gets replaced by a new one in good time before expiry if the hazard persists.
Where do I see SIGMET information in VFR Wetter?
In Go Fly mode, current SIGMET polygons are displayed directly on the live moving map.
What's next?
SIGMET, AIRMET and GAMET round out METAR, TAF and NOTAMs into a complete picture of en-route weather. For how it all fits into a structured preparation, see VFR Weather Briefing: Process & Checklist.
This article does not replace aviation training or an official flight weather briefing. Before every cross-country flight, current SIGMETs, AIRMETs or GAMETs must be checked through an official source at your own responsibility.