If you are checking PIREPS on a
regular basis you might notice some interesting text in the RM portions of a
PIREP. Here is an example:
FAT UA /OV CZQ040017/TM
1745/FL330/TP B737/TB LGT CHOP/RM AWC-WEB/SWA
In this case the RM section has
the text “AWC”. This is an indication that the PIREP was reported by a pilot
that has taken the SkySpotter training. The following comes from the FAA:
The
"SKYSPOTTER" program is a result of a recommendation from the Safer
Skies FAA/INDUSTRY Joint Safety Analysis and Implementation Teams. The term
"SKYSPOTTER" indicates that a pilot has received specialized training
in observing and reporting inflight weather phenomenon, pilot weather reports,
or PIREPs. When a PIREP from a pilot identifying themselves as a
"SKYSPOTTER" aircraft is received, the additional comment
"/AWC" must be added at the end of the remarks section of the PIREP.
You can find the AOPA SkySpotter
course here: http://flash.aopa.org/asf/skyspotter/
