Pilot Reports (PIREPs) End-User (Pilots and Controllers) Focus Groups

Kratchounova, Daniela · 2020 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Office of Aviation. Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

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Summary

This report details the findings of focus groups conducted by the FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) to address deficiencies in the Pilot Report (PIREP) submission and dissemination processes. The study was motivated by a 2017 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation that identified critical failures in PIREP handling, including delays, data entry errors, and a decline in report volume. These issues were exacerbated by outdated formats, lack of automation, and inconsistent solicitation by air traffic controllers. The research supported the FAA Air Traffic Organization’s corrective action plan, specifically Strategy 5, which aimed to improve stakeholder understanding of these deficiencies to inform end-to-end solutions for increasing PIREP quantity, quality, and accessibility. The methodology involved six online focus groups conducted in May 2020 via GoToMeeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants included 10 general aviation pilots, 21 air transport pilots, five regional aviation pilots, and twelve air traffic controllers or flight service specialists. Each group consisted of eight participants, moderated by the principal investigator. The sessions lasted approximately two hours and were structured around thematic questions derived from the NTSB report, focusing on submission barriers, controller solicitation practices, and the impact of technology. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify user-perceived obstacles and potential solutions. The results revealed that pilots view PIREP submission as a low-priority task, often subordinate to flight safety and navigation. Participants cited task saturation, particularly during critical phases of flight, as a primary barrier to providing formal reports. Pilots described the current submission process as cumbersome and outdated, preferring informal verbal exchanges over structured data entry. Many pilots were unaware of formal submission protocols, relying instead on informal radio communications or automated systems like ACARS, which they found difficult to use without diverting attention from flight duties. Furthermore, pilots expressed frustration with the lack of timely feedback; they rarely saw their submitted reports disseminated back to the cockpit in a useful timeframe, reducing their incentive to participate. Controllers echoed these concerns, noting that task saturation and staffing shortages prevented consistent solicitation and data entry. Controllers often prioritized immediate aircraft separation over documenting weather data, relying on real-time verbal information sharing rather than formal system entry. Additionally, participants highlighted discrepancies between automated turbulence reports and human perception, questioning the accuracy of sensor-based data. The study concludes that the decline in formal PIREPs is driven by a combination of human factors, including task prioritization and perceived lack of utility, as well as systemic issues like outdated technology and inefficient workflows. The findings underscore the need for modernized automation, improved training, and streamlined processes to reduce the workload burden on pilots and controllers. By addressing these barriers, the FAA aims to enhance the reliability and timeliness of weather information in the National Airspace System, ultimately improving aviation safety. The report provides a roadmap for future research and implementation efforts focused on integrating human-centered design with technological advancements in PIREP handling.

Key finding

Formal PIREP submission has declined because pilots view the process as low-priority and cumbersome due to outdated formats and significant dissemination delays, while controllers struggle with task saturation and lack of staffing to consistently solicit and input reports.

Methodology

other

Sample size: 48

Provenance

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