FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)WeatherEasy
During a pre-flight briefing, a remote pilot notices a report stating that a general aviation pilot encountered moderate turbulence at 3,000 feet MSL over the operating area 20 minutes earlier. What type of weather report is this?
- ASIGMET
- BPIREP
- CTAF
- DAIRMET
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. PIREP
A Pilot Report (PIREP) is a report of actual weather conditions encountered in flight, submitted by pilots. PIREPs provide real-time, first-hand data such as turbulence, icing, and cloud tops that forecasts alone cannot capture.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A SIGMET is a forecast advisory for severe weather, not a first-hand pilot account.
- C. A TAF is a scheduled terminal forecast, not a real-time pilot observation.
- D. An AIRMET is a forecast advisory for hazards like moderate turbulence, not an actual pilot-observed report.
PIREP
A Pilot Report describing actual weather conditions encountered in flight, such as turbulence, icing, or cloud tops.
- Submitted voluntarily by pilots in flight
- Provides real-time confirmation of forecast accuracy
- Used to update or issue AIRMETs/SIGMETs
- Coded format includes location, time, altitude, aircraft type, and conditions
Memory trick: 'PIREP = Pilot Personally Reports' actual conditions, not a forecast.