Filing a PIREP
PIREP: volunteered by any pilot, not assigned by role. Only source: pilot in the air.
Volunteer one:
- with a routine position report, especially any significant weather
- conditions differ significantly from forecast, especially turbulence, icing, thunderstorms, strong wind, heavy precipitation, reduced ceiling/visibility
- icing met, even if ATC has not asked: routinely pass a detailed PIREP
- cloud tops, upper cloud layers, cruising-level wind velocity: ECCC meteorologists use these to confirm or amend the forecast
- eruption or ash cloud: pilots may be the first line of volcanic eruption detection in remote areas (TC AIM MET 2.5)
On request: controllers, flight service specialists, CARS observer/communicators may ask for conditions en route, on climb-out, or on approach.
Where to file:
| Order | Destination | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Flight information centre (FIC) | En route frequency, or toll-free call after landing (fastest distribution) |
| If FIC unreachable | Nearest ATS unit | e.g. flight service station |
High-value content: low cloud, reduced visibility, icing, convective activity (wind shear, squall lines, turbulence, thunderstorms, cumulonimbus). These reports can trigger a SIGMET.
Content rules by hazard:
| Hazard | Report |
|---|---|
| Wind shear (FMS-equipped) | Wind and altitude both above and below shear layer |
| Wind shear (no FMS) | Airspeed loss or gain and altitude where it happened; failing that, general effect on aircraft |
| Icing | Report to ATS. IFR: request new routing or altitude if icing will be a hazard. Give aircraft ID, type, location, time (UTC), intensity, type, altitude or flight level, indicated airspeed |
| Volcanic ash | Eruption or ash cloud sighting to nearest ATS unit |
Hazard PIREP broadcast: a hazard PIREP under 1 h old is broadcast immediately and in later scheduled broadcasts (MET 1.1.6, 1.1.6.1).
Trap: wrong destination. FIC first, not ATC; ATS unit only if FIC unreachable. Hazard PIREP: broadcast now, not held for the next scheduled broadcast.
References
- TC AIM MET 1.1.6 (hazard PIREP broadcast)
- TC AIM MET 1.1.6.1 (why to volunteer)
- TC AIM MET 2.1 (who/when/where to file)
- TC AIM MET 2.3 (wind shear report content)
- TC AIM MET 2.4 (icing report content)
- TC AIM AIR 2.12.3.7 (routinely pass detailed PIREPs whenever icing is met)
- TC AIM MET 2.5 (volcanic ash filing destination)
- TP 1102 (Pilot Weather Report)
- NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, PIREP