What should be solicited when moderate turbulence or greater, or LLWS exists in your area of jurisdiction?

When moderate turbulence or greater, or low-level wind shear (LLWS) is present in your area of jurisdiction, it is essential to solicit PIREPs, or Pilot Reports. These reports provide valuable real-time information from pilots regarding the current weather conditions they are experiencing during their flight.

PIREPs are crucial in enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of air traffic management. They help other pilots and air traffic controllers understand the extent and severity of turbulence or wind shear, allowing for better decision-making regarding flight paths and altitudes. This information can aid in warning pilots of potential hazards and can even contribute to shaping future weather forecasts.

In contrast, while weather briefings provide comprehensive forecasts and historical data, they do not capture the real-time experiences of pilots airborne during turbulence or LLWS. Flight plans focus more on the intended route of the aircraft rather than the existing weather conditions. Lastly, ATC requests pertain to various interactions between pilots and air traffic control, but soliciting reports from pilots about current conditions (PIREPs) is specifically relevant to safety during adverse weather situations.