FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
A remote pilot in command is planning a flight in mountainous terrain and wants firsthand, real-time information about actual cloud bases, turbulence, and icing being encountered by pilots currently flying in that area. Which report should the pilot consult?
- AAIRMET
- BPIREP
- CTAF
- DMETAR
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. PIREP
A Pilot Report (PIREP) provides real-time, firsthand observations from pilots actually flying in the area, including actual cloud bases, turbulence, and icing conditions, which forecasts alone cannot confirm.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An AIRMET is a forecast advisory for hazardous weather, not a firsthand pilot observation.
- C. A TAF is a forecast, not an actual firsthand report.
- D. A METAR is a surface observation from a fixed station, not an in-flight report.
PIREP (Pilot Report)
A report filed by pilots in flight describing actual weather conditions encountered, including turbulence, icing, and cloud bases, that supplements forecasts and observations.
- Firsthand, real-time information
- Especially valuable in mountainous or rapidly changing weather
- Available via Flight Service and some aviation weather websites
Memory trick: PIREP = 'Pilots In Real-time Explain Peculiarities.'