FAA-H-8083-28 24.5 Aircraft Observations and Reports

24.5 Aircraft Observations and Reports

There are three kinds of aircraft observations: PIREPs, Aircraft Reports (AIREP), and Volcanic Activity Reports (VAR).

Both PIREPs and AIREPS have two types:

• Routine PIREPs and Urgent PIREPs.

• Routine AIREPs and Special AIREPs.

PIREPs are reported by the pilot (or aircrew), while AIREPs can either be reported by the pilot or generated from sensors onboard the aircraft (automated AIREPs). PIREPs and AIREPs are coded differently. The PIREP format is a U.S.-only format. The AIREP format is used worldwide. Automated AIREPs are common over the United States. The VAR is a report for aircraft encounters with volcanic ash and/or sulfur dioxide (SO2).