What is a PIREP?

A PIREP, or Pilot Report, is indeed a report of actual weather conditions experienced by a pilot during flight. This report plays a crucial role in aviation by providing real-time weather information based on direct observations from pilot experiences. These reports can indicate turbulence, cloud cover, visibility, temperature, and other relevant weather phenomena encountered in the air.

The significance of PIREPs lies in how they enhance safety and situational awareness for other pilots and for air traffic controllers. By sharing their firsthand experiences, pilots contribute to a collective understanding of current weather that may not be captured through automated weather systems or forecasts.

In contrast, the other options involve types of reports or forecasts that do not reflect the immediate, on-the-ground experiences of pilots during their flights, which is the primary characteristic of a PIREP.