There are many weather reports and forecasts that pilots can use to try and determine what’s happening aloft.  But nothing is as useful and accurate as actual reports from other pilots.  Pilot reports (PIREPS) are always important, but there is a special call for them from the Aviation Weather Center.  Read the notice below and make sure to give PIREPS whenever you fly.  If you need a quick refresher on PIREPS, see Chapter 12 of the Aviation Weather Services book.

Late Night PIREPS: Request for assistance

Notice Number: NOTC3737

The Aviation Weather Center is calling for an extra effort on the part of pilots, controllers and dispatchers for PIREPS from 02-11 UTC each evening/night through Sep. 1, 2012, in support of research on low level turbulence. Here is more detail from their website:

Call for night-time PIREPs. The Aviation Weather Center is conducting research project on low level turbulence away from the influences of terrain and in the presence of stronger wind. The AWC is requesting Pilots, controllers, and dispatchers make an extra effort to provide PIREPs below 12,000 feet during the nighttime hours–primarily from 0200 UTC through 1100 UTC. The focus of this project runs across the central plains; from Texas to Canada, between the Rockies and the Ohio River Valley, but any nighttime PIREP is greatly appreciated. The project runs through September 1, 2012.

This Notice request brought to you by FAASTeam Representative Patrick Ayd / General Forecaster / National Weather Service / Bismarck, ND, and the Great Lakes Region FAASTeam.