Definition
A function on a Multi-Function Display (MFD) that shows the boundaries of active AIRMETs and SIGMETs, allowing the pilot to see which areas along or near the route are affected by hazardous weather advisories. AIRMETs cover weather hazardous to light or less-equipped aircraft (such as moderate icing, moderate turbulence, IFR conditions, and mountain obscuration), while SIGMETs cover more severe, widespread hazards (such as severe icing, severe turbulence, volcanic ash, and dust or sandstorms). The display typically overlays these advisory areas on the moving map and may allow the pilot to select an area to read the full text of the advisory.
Plain English
A screen on the cockpit display that shows where weather warnings are in effect, drawn as outlined areas on the map so the pilot can see if the route passes through them.
Context Anchor
Seen on an electronic flight display or multi-function display when using onboard or datalink weather information.
Derivation
AIRMET stands for Airmen's Meteorological Information; SIGMET stands for Significant Meteorological Information. "Display" here simply refers to how those advisories are shown graphically on a cockpit screen rather than read as text.
Why Pilots Care
Allows pilots to quickly identify and avoid areas of hazardous weather without having to interpret separate text reports while in flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an AIRMET/SIGMET Display is a complete, live picture of all weather. It shows official advisory areas, and the information may be delayed or incomplete, so it must be used with the full weather briefing and current conditions.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the pilot checked the AIRMET/SIGMET display on the MFD and saw that an AIRMET for moderate icing covered the first hundred miles of the route.
Example Sentence 2
While en route the AIRMET/SIGMET Display updated to show a new SIGMET for severe turbulence ahead.