What does PIREP stand for in aviation weather reporting?

• A. Pilot Reporting Environmental Conditions
• B. Pilot Report
• C. Preliminary Incident Report
• D. Periodic In-flight Weather Report

Answer: (B)

PIREP stands for Pilot Report, which is a valuable source of real-time weather information provided directly by pilots during flight. These reports contain observations regarding various conditions such as turbulence, icing, visibility, wind direction, and cloud cover. PIREPs are crucial for weather forecasting and help other pilots, air traffic controllers, and meteorologists make informed decisions regarding flight operations and safety.

Casting aside the other options, while they may sound relevant to aviation, they do not accurately represent the established definition of PIREP. For instance, a comprehensive understanding of pilot reports relies on recognizing their primary purpose, which is to relay subjective experiences of pilots in operation rather than a systematic reporting of environmental conditions or incidents. By focusing specifically on pilot experiences during flight, PIREPs serve as a critical tool for enhancing situational awareness among aviation professionals.