FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Weather and Weather ServicesMedium
A pilot flying in IMC encounters unexpected severe turbulence that damages a wingtip antenna. According to PIREP reporting guidance, how should this report be classified and transmitted?
- AAs a PIREP only if requested by the flight service station after landing
- BIt should not be reported unless requested by ATC
- CAs a routine PIREP (UA), since turbulence reports are never considered urgent
- DAs an urgent PIREP (UUA), since severe turbulence is a criterion requiring urgent handling
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. As an urgent PIREP (UUA), since severe turbulence is a criterion requiring urgent handling
Severe turbulence is one of the specific criteria that requires a PIREP to be classified as urgent (UUA) rather than routine (UA). Urgent PIREPs are given priority handling by ATC and Flight Service because they involve hazards to flight safety that other pilots need immediately.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. PIREPs should be given as soon as practical while airborne, not delayed until after landing.
- B. Pilots are encouraged to volunteer PIREPs for hazardous conditions without waiting to be asked.
- C. Severe turbulence is specifically listed as an urgent PIREP criterion, not routine.
Urgent PIREP (UUA) Criteria
A PIREP is classified urgent (UUA) rather than routine (UA) when it reports severe turbulence, severe icing, low-level wind shear, volcanic ash, hail, funnel clouds/tornadoes, or other conditions hazardous to flight.
- Urgent PIREPs (UUA) get priority relay to other aircraft and ATC
- Routine PIREPs (UA) report light-to-moderate conditions or general info
- Pilots should give PIREPs unsolicited when hazardous conditions are encountered
- Severe icing and severe turbulence are the most common urgent criteria
Memory trick: Severe = Send it Urgently (UUA)