What is the purpose of a PIREP?

The purpose of a PIREP, or Pilot Report, is to relay real-time weather conditions that pilots experience while flying. This firsthand information can include observations about turbulence, cloud cover, visibility, wind conditions, temperature, and other atmospheric phenomena encountered during flight.

By sharing this data, pilots contribute to a more accurate and immediate understanding of current weather conditions, which can be particularly useful for other pilots as well as meteorologists. This real-time insight is crucial in enhancing safety and improving decision-making in aviation operations, as weather can change rapidly and impact flight safety significantly.

Understanding this function clarifies that PIREPs are not used for documenting historical weather patterns, maintenance issues, or forecasting future weather based on past data. Instead, they serve as a vital link in the continuous flow of up-to-date weather information observed directly by aviators in flight.