Readback: February 2017

Not sure if this is a question or a frustration, but after reading the August 2016 quiz about PIREPs, it made me wonder why there are so few PIREPs in the system. It appears that most reports of icing, tops, and bases that are given to ATC never make it into the PIREP system. Most of us frequently report these conditions when departing or arriving, however I seldom take the time to change frequency and submit an official PIREP. Is there a process or key phrase that we can say to ATC to ask them to submit the PIREP on our behalf. Seems like if a pilot reports icing in climb or in descent to departure or approach, ATC should submit that report as a PIREP.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

New avionics installations can face unexpected compatibility issues, such as TFRs not displaying on older navigators or third-party app interface limitations, emphasizing the need to verify specific functionalities before relying on new tech.
Pilot reports (PIREPs) given to ATC are crucial but may not always be filed as official PIREPs; instead, the information is disseminated via METAR/SPECI updates, verbal warnings, or internal notes, with critical reports (e.g., icing, turbulence) prioritized for official filing.
Aviation procedures can have specific requirements, like takeoff minimums that mandate both weather conditions and a minimum climb gradient due to obstacles, or direct-to waypoints that might only become available after loading an approach.
If deficiencies are found during an FAA ramp check, inspectors typically inform the pilot immediately and request rectification of safety issues rather than issuing automatic fines.

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Tell It Like It Is

I enjoyed your November article on sim training. It’s particularly nice to see a balanced article where the drawbacks of a particular training organization or facility are clearly stated.

Name withheld by request.

Yup, Technology Got Me

In “Technology Gotchas,” in August 2016, you asked for feedback on older navigators. I thought I’d share insight I gained installing a new Garmin GTX 345. I jumped on the bandwagon (just before the $500 rebate was announced) because it would interface with my Garmin GNS 530W, and I fly a lot of IFR in the crowded Southern California skies.