What altitude must a suitable divert airport be within when considering Convective SIGMET criteria?

When considering Convective SIGMET criteria, the regulation indicates that a suitable divert airport must be within 1500 feet of the appropriate altitude for the flight. This requirement ensures that if a diversion becomes necessary due to convective weather phenomena, the pilot has a viable option that is not excessively high or low, which might complicate landing.

Convective SIGMETs relate to significant weather events that involve thunderstorms, severe turbulence, and other hazardous conditions associated with convective activities. By maintaining a diversion airport within 1500 feet, pilots are more likely to find a location that is safely within their operational limits, ensuring a smoother transition and allowing for better planning and decision-making in the face of rapidly changing weather conditions.

This altitude criterion supports safe operations, allowing for effective management of in-flight situations while ensuring pilots can comply with safety protocols when encountering convective weather. Other options present altitudes that are either too close or too distant to optimal landing conditions, thus not aligning with the established safety measures in aviation for managing diversions during adverse weather situations.