How to Read a PIREP

A PIREP (pilot report) is an in flight advisory made by pilots to inform ATC, dispatchers, and pilots about conditions in the sky. It is important for pilots to report in flight conditions such as turbulence, visibility, and especially icing because icing can only be measured with weather balloons and the experiences of aircraft through the levels. 

Pilots can submit reports themselves or report them to ATC or dispatchers through the PIREP form.

Below is a table on what each section means

UAA (urgent report) will be reported if the following conditions are met:

• Tornadoes
• Funnel clouds or waterspouts
• Severe or extreme turbulence, including clear air turbulence (CAT)
• Severe icing
• Hail
• Volcanic ash
• Low-level wind shear (LLWS) (air speed fluctuations of 10 knots or more within 2,000 feet of the surface)
• Any other weather phenomena reported which are considered by the controller to be hazardous, or potentially hazardous, to flight operations

Example of a PIREP

AVP UUA /OV AVP/TM 1804/FL020/TP P28A/TB LGT-MOD 020/RM LLWS +/-5 KT 020-SFC DURD RY22 AVP

Issued by Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport, Urgent Pilot Report, over Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport, time is 1804 Zulu, 2000 ft altitude, Cherokee 28A, Light to moderate turbulence, Low-level wind shear plus or minus 5 knots at 2000 ft to surface, observed during descent runway 22. 

UAO UA /OV KUAO/TM 1804/FL035/TP PC12/SK OVC033-TOP075/TB NEG/IC NEG/RM DURC RWY 17 

Issued by Aurora State Airport, routine report, over Aurora State Airport, time is 1804 Zulu, 3500 altitude, aircraft is a Pilatus 12, sky conditions is overcast at 3300 ft, tops out at 7500, turbulence not encountered, icing not encountered, observed during climb from runway 17.