Quick Facts
- Type
- Pilot Weather Report
- Also Known As
- PIREP
- Used By
- Pilots, Dispatchers, ATC
Definition#
PIREP stands for Pilot Report (also written as PIREPs or UA/UUA). It is an observation of actual in-flight conditions — turbulence, icing, wind, cloud tops, and visibility — reported by flight crews.
Why It Matters Operationally#
PIREPs are the only source of real-time conditions between the surface and satellite/radar coverage. They supplement METARs and TAFs, and ATC uses them to advise other pilots of conditions on routes and at altitudes.
Related Guides#
- Aviation Weather Explained — The Complete Operational Guide
- Clear Air Turbulence Explained
- Aircraft Icing Explained
- What Is Turbulence?