Pilot reports, or PIREPs, provide crucial real-time weather information encountered in flight. Decoding these reports accurately allows pilots and dispatchers to gain a more complete picture of actual conditions aloft than forecasts alone can provide. An example would be reading a PIREP that states “UA /OV ORD 090010/TM 1430/FL310/TP B737/WX FV03SM BR/TA -10C/TB LGT-MOD CAT 270-290.” This report, properly interpreted, reveals a United Airlines (UA) flight over the ORD VOR at 090 degrees and 10 nautical miles (ORD 090010) at 1430Z at flight level 310 in a Boeing 737 encountered flight visibility of 3 statute miles in mist, with a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius and light to moderate clear air turbulence from 270 to 290.
The ability to decipher and utilize pilot reports enhances flight safety and decision-making. These reports supplement official forecasts, offering validation or correction based on firsthand observations. Historically, PIREPs have proven invaluable in identifying localized weather phenomena, such as unexpected turbulence, icing, or wind shear, which are not always captured by broad-scale weather models. The use of these reports often leads to more efficient flight planning and avoidance of hazardous conditions, thereby saving time and fuel.
