Pilot Reports
Pilot reports of weather conditions encountered in flight are called pilot weather reports
(PIREP). PIREPs are a valuable source of weather information that often would not
otherwise be available. Reports concerning cloud tops, wind, icing levels, etc., are
extremely valuable to weather service personnel and pilots when they are planning and
executing their flights.
Soliciting PIREPs
Part of your job will be to solicit PIREPs. Solicit PIREPs when requested or when one or
more of the following conditions exists or is forecast for your area:
Ceiling at or below 5,000 feet
Visibility (surface or aloft) at or less than 5 miles
Thunderstorms and related phenomena
Turbulence of moderate degree or greater
Icing of light degree or greater
Wind shear
Volcanic ash clouds
Braking action advisories are in effect
You should relay weather information you receive from pilots to other aircraft, station
weather offices, and concerned air traffic control facilities as soon as possible. PIREPs
of tornadoes, funnel clouds, waterspouts, severe or extreme turbulence, hail, severe
icing, and wind shears are classified as SEVERE PIREPs. You must immediately relay
SEVERE PIREPs to all pilots, station weather offices, and other air traffic control
facilities within your local area. For more detailed information on PIREPs, refer to Flight
Services, FAA Order 7110.10.
Weather Warnings
Within the United States, the NWS issues plain language Watch Area statements and
Warning Area statements.
NWS Severe Weather Watches and Warnings
When conditions are favorable for certain dangerous weather conditions to develop
(such as flooding, flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, or tornadoes) the NWS issues a
Watch. When any dangerous condition has formed and is affecting an area, the NWS
issues a Warning. Weather personnel monitor Watches and Warnings and alert you if
there is a possibility that they will affect your local area. Weather personnel are also
required to brief pilots on any Watches or Warnings and note them on the Flight
Weather Briefing Form, DD Form 175-1.
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