FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Navigation, Air Traffic Control and ProceduresMedium
A flight crew encounters moderate turbulence at FL330 in an area not covered by an existing AIRMET or SIGMET. According to AIM guidance, what is expected of the flight crew?
- AWait until after landing and report the encounter only to the company dispatcher
- BFile a pilot report (PIREP) with ATC or Flight Service as soon as practicable
- CA report is only required if structural damage to the aircraft occurs
- DNo report is required since turbulence is considered a normal operational hazard
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. File a pilot report (PIREP) with ATC or Flight Service as soon as practicable
The AIM strongly encourages pilots to submit a PIREP whenever encountering moderate or greater turbulence, icing, or other hazardous weather not already forecast, as this information is critical for updating advisories and assisting other pilots.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A dispatch-only report does not get the information to ATC or other pilots in real time.
- C. Waiting for damage defeats the safety purpose of timely turbulence reporting.
- D. Unforecast moderate turbulence should be reported to help other aircraft and update forecasts.
PIREP Reporting
Pilot reports (PIREPs) relay real-time weather conditions such as turbulence, icing, and wind shear to ATC/FSS for dissemination to other pilots.
- Moderate or greater turbulence should be reported
- Icing conditions should be reported
- PIREPs help verify or update AIRMETs/SIGMETs
Memory trick: See it, shake it, report it — PIREPs keep the skies informed.