Under which conditions should PIREPS be solicited by Air Traffic Facilities?

The solicitation of PIREPs (Pilot Reports) is particularly critical under conditions where safety is significantly impacted by limited visibility and low ceilings. When ceilings are at or below 5,000 feet and visibility is at or below 5 miles, it indicates a potentially hazardous environment for flying, especially for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations. In such situations, the information provided by pilots about weather phenomena like turbulence, cloud layers, and visibility can greatly enhance situational awareness for other pilots and air traffic control.

These conditions are crucial for ensuring a safe operational environment and assist pilots in making informed decisions regarding their flight paths. Notably, while other conditions, such as ceilings at or below 10,000 feet or visibility below 8 miles, may also prompt the collection of PIREPs, the combination of ceilings and visibility mentioned leads to more severe operational constraints, justifying the need for targeted data collection in those specific scenarios.