Any PIREP reporting hazardous phenomena is
considered an urgent PIREP and must be prefixed with
the header UUA. Hazardous phenomena are defined as
reported tornadoes, funnel clouds, waterspouts, hail,
severe icing, severe or extreme turbulence (including
CAT), low-level wind shear, or volcanic eruptions.
PIREPs are transmitted directly to central data
collection centers via computer terminals exactly as
coded on the observation record.
PIREPs are
disseminated locally via electrowriter, computer local-
area-network (LAN), facsimile, or other appropriate
means.
A typical PIREP would be entered for
transmission as follows:
UA/OV KNGUO90100/TM 2213/FL250/TP C5/SK BKN160-180
/WV 23057KT/TB LGT-MOD CAT 250-270/IC LGT RIME 160-180
An urgent PIREP may be entered with only limited data
as follows:
UUA/OV PHNL270150/TM 0933/FL290/TP C9B/TB SEV CAT 310
RECORDS
A PIREP log, such as a two- or three-ring binder,
should be maintained to keep all completed PIREP code
forms. When transmitted, a printed copy of the
transmitted message is normally attached to the PIREP
code form. These records should be reviewed
frequently by the observation supervisor for proper
coding. Completed PIREP forms may be retained on
board for as long as they may be of use, usually 1 year,
and then destroyed.
Q11.
Q12.
Q13.
Q14.
Q15.
Q16.
Q17.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
What is considered significant weather as it
relates to PIREPS?
What does the acronym “CAT” indicate?
What instruction governs procedures for
reporting and encoding PIREPS for Navy and
Marine Corps activities?
What does the text element indicator "/TP"
signify?
How would an overcast layer with a base of
12,000 feet and top of unknown height be
encoded for a PIREP?
What does the PIREP entry /TB SEV CAT ABV
350 indicate?
When is the message type indicator "UUA"
encoded?
SUMMARY
In this chapter, we have discussed in detail the TAP
code and its importance to aviation safety. We also
explained the procedures used to record and transmit
PIREPS.
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