AIM Text
CAT has become a very serious operational factor to flight operations at all levels and especially to jet traffic flying in excess of 15,000 feet. The best available information on this phenomenon must come from pilots via the PIREP reporting procedures. All pilots encountering CAT conditions are urgently requested to report time, location, and intensity (light, moderate, severe, or extreme) of the element to the FAA facility with which they are maintaining radio contact. If time and conditions permit, elements should be reported according to the standards for other PIREPs and position reports.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 7-1-23.
The short answer
AIM 7-1-23 is FAA advisory guidance urging pilots who encounter clear air turbulence (CAT) to report it via PIREP procedures, giving time, location, and intensity (light, moderate, severe, or extreme). CAT is a serious factor for jet traffic flying above 15,000 feet, and pilot reports are the best available source on this phenomenon.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What should a pilot include when reporting clear air turbulence?
The AIM urges pilots encountering CAT to report the time, location, and intensity (light, moderate, severe, or extreme) to the FAA facility with which they are maintaining radio contact. If time and conditions permit, elements should be reported according to the standards for other PIREPs and position reports.
At what altitudes is clear air turbulence most a concern?
The AIM notes CAT has become a very serious operational factor at all levels and especially to jet traffic flying in excess of 15,000 feet. Because CAT occurs in clear air, pilot reports are described as the best available information source on the phenomenon.
Why does the FAA rely on PIREPs for clear air turbulence?
Per the AIM, the best available information on the CAT phenomenon must come from pilots via PIREP reporting procedures, so all pilots encountering CAT conditions are urgently requested to volunteer reports for the benefit of other traffic.