FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Weather and Weather ServicesHard
A pilot receives the following PIREP during a preflight briefing: 'UA /OV OKC/TM1830/FL090/TP C172/IC MOD RIME/RM CONT'. How should the pilot interpret the icing portion of this report?
- AModerate rime icing was encountered intermittently, with breaks between icing encounters
- BSevere rime icing was reported, requiring immediate deviation for all aircraft in the area
- CModerate rime icing was encountered continuously at 9,000 feet near Oklahoma City
- DTrace rime icing was observed, with the pilot noting no significant accumulation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Moderate rime icing was encountered continuously at 9,000 feet near Oklahoma City
In the PIREP, 'IC MOD RIME' indicates moderate rime icing, and the remark 'CONT' specifies that the icing was continuous rather than intermittent. This was reported by a Cessna 172 (TP C172) at flight level 090 (9,000 feet) near Oklahoma City (OKC) at 1830Z.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The remark 'CONT' specifically denotes continuous icing, not intermittent.
- B. The report specifies 'MOD' for moderate, not severe intensity.
- D. 'MOD' indicates moderate icing, not trace, which would be denoted 'TRACE' or 'TRC'.
PIREP Icing Remarks
PIREPs report icing type, intensity, and continuity (e.g., CONT for continuous, INTMT for intermittent) to help pilots assess in-flight icing hazards.
- IC field lists intensity and type (e.g., MOD RIME)
- RM field may include continuity like CONT or INTMT
- Always cross-reference altitude (FL) and location (OV) with route of flight
Memory trick: MOD RIME CONT means steady moderate icing, not a one-time bump.