Part 3: Supporting Information – Runway Conditions and Pilot Reports

Pilot reports, or PIREPs, are your voice in the system. A PIREP is a report you transmit to ATC containing observations relevant to other pilots: turbulence, icing conditions, thunderstorms, wind conditions at altitude, visibility, cloud tops, or anything else that affects flight safety and isn't already captured by official weather reporting stations.

PIREPs are incredibly valuable because you're flying the actual route at the actual time. A weather station on the ground might report clear skies, but if you encounter light turbulence at 3,000 feet near a mountain, that's new information. A PIREP is your way to share it.

When should you give a PIREP?

When you encounter unexpected weather or turbulence.
When you find significant wind conditions different from the forecast.
When you encounter icing (especially important and reported immediately).
When visibility is significantly different from the briefing.
When you see thunderstorms or heavy precipitation not forecast.
When you pass specific altitude reports (cloud tops, tops of icing, etc.).

When should you NOT give a PIREP?

Don't wait for "permission" or a formal request. If conditions warrant, transmit.
Don't give PIREPs during congested periods if it's not urgent. But if it's important (icing, severe turbulence), transmit regardless.
Don't wait until you've landed. If the information is time-sensitive (storm, icing), report it en route.

How to give a PIREP:

Keep it short. Use clear, standard terminology. The format is usually:

PIREP Transmission

Vienna Radio · OE-XYZ

FREQUENCY: 124.2 MHz

PILOT: Vienna Radio, OE-XYZ, PIREP.

ATC OE-XYZ, GO AHEAD with your PIREP.

PILOT: OE-XYZ, position 15 miles southeast of Vienna, altitude 4,000 feet, light to moderate turbulence, wind 210 degrees 25 knots.

ATC: OE-XYZ, copied, light to moderate turbulence, 15 miles southeast Vienna, altitude 4,000, wind 210 25 knots.

PILOT: Correct, OE-XYZ.

And that's it. You've provided actionable information. ATC will file it and, if it's significant enough, pass it on to other pilots in the area. More importantly, if the turbulence or wind is forecast to affect other flights, your report will be included in briefings.