A SPECI report documents what kind of meteorological observation?

A SPECI report documents what kind of meteorological observation?

• A. Routine weather observation
• B. Forecast update
• C. Unscheduled observation meeting criteria
• D. Pilot weather observation

Answer: (C)

Special meteorological reports are issued when weather conditions change significantly between routine observations. They’re unscheduled and provide timely, critical weather information to air traffic control and flight crews. A SPECI isn’t a routine hourly update, nor is it a forecast. It’s an official observation that is triggered when conditions reach or exceed certain criteria (for example, sudden changes in visibility or cloud ceiling, or the appearance of significant weather). Because of that, a SPECI documents an unscheduled observation meeting criteria. Pilot reports (PIREPs) are separate sources of weather information from pilots, not official SPECI observations.

Special meteorological reports are issued when weather conditions change significantly between routine observations. They’re unscheduled and provide timely, critical weather information to air traffic control and flight crews. A SPECI isn’t a routine hourly update, nor is it a forecast. It’s an official observation that is triggered when conditions reach or exceed certain criteria (for example, sudden changes in visibility or cloud ceiling, or the appearance of significant weather). Because of that, a SPECI documents an unscheduled observation meeting criteria. Pilot reports (PIREPs) are separate sources of weather information from pilots, not official SPECI observations.