Regulation (EU) 2024/1111

A.      REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

1.       CONTENTS OF AIR-REPORTS

1.1.    Position reports and special air-reports

1.1.1. Section 1 of the model set out in point A is obligatory for position reports and special air-reports, although Items 5 and 6 thereof may be omitted. Section 2 shall be added, in whole or in part, only when so requested by the operator or its designated representative, or when deemed necessary by the pilot-in-command. Section 3 shall be included in special air-reports.

1.1.2. Condition prompting the issuance of a special air-report are to be selected from the list presented in point SERA.12005(a).

1.1.3. In the case of special air-reports containing information on volcanic activity, a post-flight report shall be made using the volcanic activity reporting form (Model VAR) set out in point B. All elements which are observed shall be recorded and indicated respectively in the appropriate places on the form Model VAR.

1.1.4. Special air-reports shall be issued as soon as practicable after a phenomenon calling for a special air-report has been observed.

2.       DETAILED REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1.    Items of an air-report shall be reported in the order in which they are listed in the model AIREP SPECIAL form.

MESSAGE TYPE DESIGNATOR. Report ‘SPECIAL’ for a special air-report.

Section 1

Item 1 — AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION. Report the aircraft radiotelephony call sign as prescribed in point SERA.14050.

Item 2 — POSITION. Report position in latitude (degrees as 2 numerics or degrees and minutes as 4 numerics, followed by ‘North’ or ‘South’) and longitude (degrees as 3 numerics or degrees and minutes as 5 numerics followed by ‘East’ or ‘West’), or as a significant point identified by a coded designator (2 to 5 characters), or as a significant point followed by magnetic bearing (3 numerics) and distance in nautical miles from the point. Precede significant point with ‘ABEAM’, if applicable.

Item 3 — TIME. Report time in hours and minutes UTC (4 numerics) unless reporting time in minutes past the hour (2 numerics) is prescribed on the basis of regional air navigation agreements. The time reported must be the actual time of the aircraft at the position and not the time of origination or transmission of the report. Time shall always be reported in hours and minutes UTC when issuing a special air-report.

Item 4 — FLIGHT LEVEL OR ALTITUDE. Report flight level by 3 numerics when on standard pressure altimeter setting. Report altitude in metres followed by ‘METRES’ or in feet followed by ‘FEET’ when on QNH. Report ‘CLIMBING’ (followed by the level) when climbing or ‘DESCENDING’ (followed by the level) when descending to a new level after passing the significant point.

Item 5 — NEXT POSITION AND ESTIMATED TIME OVER. Report the next reporting point and the estimated time over such reporting point, or report the estimated position that will be reached one hour later, according to the position reporting procedures in force. Use the data conventions specified in Item 2 for position. Report the estimated time over this position. Report time in hours and minutes UTC (4 numerics) unless reporting time in minutes past the hour (2 numerics) as prescribed by regional air navigation agreements.

Item 6 — ENSUING SIGNIFICANT POINT. Report the ensuing significant point following the ‘next position and estimated time over’.

Section 2

Item 7 — ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL. Report the name of the aerodrome of the first intended landing, followed by the estimated time of arrival at this aerodrome in hours and minutes UTC (4 numerics).

Item 8 — ENDURANCE. Report ‘ENDURANCE’ followed by fuel endurance in hours and minutes (4 numerics).

Section 3

Item 9 — PHENOMENON PROMPTING A SPECIAL AIR-REPORT. Report one of the following phenomena encountered or observed:

—    moderate turbulence as ‘TURBULENCE MODERATE’, and

—    severe turbulence as ‘TURBULENCE SEVERE’.

The following specifications apply:

—    Moderate - Conditions in which moderate changes in aircraft attitude and/or altitude may occur but the aircraft remains in positive control at all times. Usually, small variations in airspeed. Changes in accelerometer readings of 0,5 g to 1,0 g at the aircraft's centre of gravity. Difficulty in walking. Occupants feel strain against seat belts. Loose objects move about.

—    Severe - Conditions in which abrupt changes in aircraft attitude and/or altitude occur; aircraft may be out of control for short periods. Usually, large variations in airspeed. Changes in accelerometer readings greater than 1,0 g at the aircraft's centre of gravity. Occupants are forced violently against seat belts. Loose objects are tossed about.

—    moderate icing as ‘ICING MODERATE’, severe icing as ‘ICING SEVERE’;

The following specifications apply:

—    Moderate - Conditions in which change of heading and/or altitude may be considered desirable.

—    Severe - Conditions in which immediate change of heading and/or altitude is considered essential.

—    Severe mountain wave as ‘MOUNTAIN WAVE SEVERE’;

The following specification applies:

—    Severe - Conditions in which the accompanying downdraft is 3,0 m/s (600 ft/min) or more and/or severe turbulence is encountered.

—    Thunderstorm without hail as ‘THUNDERSTORM’, thunderstorm with hail as ‘THUNDERSTORM WITH HAIL’;

The following specification applies:

Only report those thunderstorms which are:

—    obscured in haze, or

—    embedded in cloud, or

—    widespread, or

—    forming a squall line.

—    Heavy duststorm or sandstorm as ‘DUSTSTORM HEAVY’ or ‘SANDSTORM HEAVY’;

—    Volcanic ash cloud as ‘VOLCANIC ASH CLOUD’;

—    Pre-eruption volcanic activity or a volcanic eruption as ‘PRE-ERUPTION VOLCANIC ACTIVITY’ or ‘VOLCANIC ERUPTION’;

The following specification applies:

‘Pre-eruption volcanic activity’ in this context means unusual and/or increasing volcanic activity which could presage a volcanic eruption.

2.2.    Information recorded on the volcanic activity reporting form (Model VAR) is not for transmission by RTF but, on arrival at an aerodrome, is to be delivered without delay by the operator or a flight crew member to the aerodrome meteorological office. If such an office is not easily accessible, the completed form shall be delivered in accordance with local arrangements agreed upon between MET and ATS providers and the aircraft operator.

3.       FORWARDING OF METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION RECEIVED BY VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

When receiving special air-reports, ATS units shall forward these air-reports without delay to the associated meteorological watch office (MWO). In order to ensure assimilation of air-reports in ground-based automated systems, the elements of such reports shall be transmitted using the data conventions specified below and in the order prescribed.

—    ADDRESSEE. Record the station called and, when necessary, relay required.

—    MESSAGE TYPE DESIGNATOR. Record ‘ARS’ for a special air-report.

—    AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION. Record the aircraft identification using the data convention specified for Item 7 of the flight plan, without a space between the operator's designator and the aircraft registration or flight identification, if used.

Section 1

Item 0 — POSITION. Record position in latitude (degrees as 2 numerics or degrees and minutes as 4 numerics, followed, without a space, by N or S) and longitude (degrees as 3 numerics or degrees and minutes as 5 numerics, followed without a space by E or W), or as a significant point identified by a coded designator (2 to 5 characters), or as a significant point followed by magnetic bearing (3 numerics) and distance in nautical miles (3 numerics) from the point. Precede significant point with ‘ABEAM’, if applicable.

Item 1 — TIME. Record time in hours and minutes UTC (4 numerics).

Item 2 — FLIGHT LEVEL OR ALTITUDE. Record ‘F’ followed by 3 numerics (e.g. ‘F310’) when a flight level is reported. Record altitude in metres followed by ‘M’ or in feet followed by ‘FT’ when an altitude is reported. Record ‘ASC’ (level) when climbing or ‘DES’ (level) when descending.

Section 2

Item 9 — PHENOMENON PROMPTING A SPECIAL AIR-REPORT. Record the phenomenon reported as follows:

—    moderate turbulence as ‘TURB MOD’,

—    severe turbulence as ‘TURB SEV’,

—    moderate icing as ‘ICE MOD’,

—    severe icing as ‘ICE SEV’,

—    severe mountain wave as ‘MTW SEV’,

—    thunderstorm without hail as ‘TS’,

—    thunderstorm with hail as ‘TSGR’,

—    heavy duststorm or sandstorm as ‘HVY SS’,

—    volcanic ash cloud as ‘VA CLD’,

—    pre-eruption volcanic activity or a volcanic eruption as ‘VA’,

—    hail as ‘GR’,

—    cumulonimbus clouds as ‘CB’.

—    TIME TRANSMITTED. Record only when Section 3 is transmitted.

4.       SPECIFIC PROVISIONS RELATED TO REPORTING WIND SHEAR AND VOLCANIC ASH

4.1.    Reporting of wind shear

4.1.1. When reporting aircraft observations of wind shear encountered during the climb-out and approach phases of flight, the aircraft type shall be included.

4.1.2. Where wind shear conditions in the climb-out or approach phases of flight were reported or forecast but not encountered, the pilot-in-command shall advise the appropriate ATS unit as soon as practicable unless the pilot-in-command is aware that the appropriate ATS unit has already been so advised by a preceding aircraft.

4.2.    Post-flight reporting of volcanic activity

4.2.1. On arrival of a flight at an aerodrome, the completed report of volcanic activity shall be delivered by the aircraft operator or a flight crew member, without delay, to the aerodrome meteorological office, or if such office is not easily accessible to arriving flight crew members, the completed form shall be dealt with in accordance with local arrangements agreed upon between MET and ATS providers and the aircraft operator.

4.2.2. The completed report of volcanic activity received by an aerodrome meteorological office shall be transmitted without delay to the meteorological watch office responsible for the provision of meteorological watch for the flight information region in which the volcanic activity was observed.

[applicable until 30 April 2025 – Regulation (EU) 2016/1185]

A.      REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

MODEL AIREP SPECIAL

1.      CONTENTS OF AIR-REPORTS

1.1.    Position reports and special air-reports

1.1.1. Section 1 of the model set out in point A is obligatory for position reports and special air-reports, although Items 5 and 6 thereof may be omitted. Section 2 shall be added, in whole or in part, only when so requested by the operator or its designated representative, or when deemed necessary by the pilot-in-command. Section 3 shall be included in special air-reports.

1.1.2. Condition prompting the issuance of a special air-report are to be selected from the list presented in point SERA.12005(a).

1.1.3. In the case of special air-reports containing information on volcanic activity, a post-flight report shall be made using the volcanic activity reporting form (Model VAR) set out in point B. All elements which are observed shall be recorded and indicated respectively in the appropriate places on the form Model VAR.

1.1.4. Special air-reports shall be issued as soon as practicable after a phenomenon calling for a special air-report has been observed.

2.      DETAILED REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1.    Items of an air-report shall be reported in the order in which they are listed in the model AIREP SPECIAL form.

—    MESSAGE TYPE DESIGNATOR. Report “SPECIAL” for a special air-report.

Section 1

Item 1 – AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION. Report the aircraft radiotelephony call sign as prescribed in point SERA.14050.

Item 2 – POSITION. Report position in latitude (degrees as 2 numerics or degrees and minutes as 4 numerics, followed by “North” or “South”) and longitude (degrees as 3 numerics or degrees and minutes as 5 numerics followed by “East” or “West”), or as a significant point identified by a coded designator (2 to 5 characters), or as a significant point followed by magnetic bearing (3 numerics) and distance in nautical miles from the point. Precede significant point with “ABEAM”, if applicable.

Item 3 – TIME. Report time in hours and minutes UTC (4 numerics) unless reporting time in minutes past the hour (2 numerics) is prescribed on the basis of regional air navigation agreements. The time reported must be the actual time of the aircraft at the position and not the time of origination or transmission of the report. Time shall always be reported in hours and minutes UTC when issuing a special air-report.

Item 4 – FLIGHT LEVEL OR ALTITUDE. Report flight level by 3 numerics when on standard pressure altimeter setting. Report altitude in metres followed by “METRES” or in feet followed by “FEET” when on QNH. Report “CLIMBING” (followed by the level) when climbing or “DESCENDING” (followed by the level) when descending to a new level after passing the significant point.

Item 5 – NEXT POSITION AND ESTIMATED TIME OVER. Report the next reporting point and the estimated time over such reporting point, or report the estimated position that will be reached one hour later, according to the position reporting procedures in force. Use the data conventions specified in Item 2 for position. Report the estimated time over this position. Report time in hours and minutes UTC (4 numerics) unless reporting time in minutes past the hour (2 numerics) as prescribed by regional air navigation agreements.

Item 6 – ENSUING SIGNIFICANT POINT. Report the ensuing significant point following the “next position and estimated time over”.

Section 2

Item 7 – ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL. Report the name of the aerodrome of the first intended landing, followed by the estimated time of arrival at this aerodrome in hours and minutes UTC (4 numerics).

Item 8 – ENDURANCE. Report “ENDURANCE” followed by fuel/energy endurance in hours and minutes (4 numerics).

Section 3

Item 9 – PHENOMENON PROMPTING A SPECIAL AIR-REPORT. Report one of the following phenomena encountered or observed:

—    Moderate turbulence as “TURBULENCE MODERATE”

Severe turbulence as “TURBULENCE SEVERE”

The following specifications apply:

—    Moderate – Conditions in which moderate changes in aircraft attitude and/or altitude may occur but the aircraft remains in positive control at all times. Usually, small variations in airspeed. Changes in accelerometer readings of 0,5 g to 1,0 g at the aircraft’s centre of gravity. Difficulty in walking. Occupants feel strain against seat belts. Loose objects move about.

—    Severe – Conditions in which abrupt changes in aircraft attitude and/or altitude occur; aircraft may be out of control for short periods. Usually, large variations in airspeed. Changes in accelerometer readings greater than 1,0 g at the aircraft’s centre of gravity. Occupants are forced violently against seat belts. Loose objects are tossed about.

—    Moderate icing as “ICING MODERATE”

Severe icing as “ICING SEVERE”

The following specifications apply:

—    Moderate – Conditions in which change of heading and/or altitude may be considered desirable.

—    Severe – Conditions in which immediate change of heading and/or altitude is considered essential.

—    Severe mountain wave as “MOUNTAIN WAVE SEVERE”

The following specification applies:

—    Severe – Conditions in which the accompanying downdraft is 3,0 m/s (600 ft/min) or more and/or severe turbulence is encountered.

—    Thunderstorm without hail as “THUNDERSTORM”

Thunderstorm with hail as “THUNDERSTORM WITH HAIL”

The following specification applies:

Only report those thunderstorms which are:

—    obscured in haze, or

—    embedded in cloud, or

—    widespread, or

—    forming a squall line.

—    Heavy duststorm or sandstorm as “DUSTSTORM HEAVY” or “SANDSTORM HEAVY”

—    Volcanic ash cloud as “VOLCANIC ASH CLOUD”

—    Pre-eruption volcanic activity or a volcanic eruption as “PREERUPTION VOLCANIC ACTIVITY” or “VOLCANIC ERUPTION”

The following specification applies:

“Pre-eruption volcanic activity” in this context means unusual and/or increasing volcanic activity which could presage a volcanic eruption.

—    Good braking action as “BRAKING ACTION GOOD”

—    Good to medium braking action as “BRAKING ACTION GOOD TO MEDIUM”

—    Medium braking action as “BRAKING ACTION MEDIUM”

—    Medium to poor braking action as “BRAKING ACTION MEDIUM TO POOR”

—    Poor braking action as “BRAKING ACTION POOR”

—    Less than poor braking action as “BRAKING ACTION LESS THAN POOR”

The following specifications apply:

Good – Braking deceleration is normal for the wheel braking effort applied, and directional control is normal.

Good to medium – Braking deceleration or directional control is between good and medium.

Medium – Braking deceleration is noticeably reduced for the wheel braking effort applied, or directional control is noticeably reduced.

Medium to poor – Braking deceleration or directional control is between medium and poor.

Poor – Braking deceleration is significantly reduced for the wheel braking effort applied, or directional control is significantly reduced.

Less than poor – Braking deceleration is minimal to non-existent for the wheel braking effort applied, or directional control is uncertain.

2.2     Information recorded on the volcanic activity reporting form (Model VAR) is not for transmission by RTF but, on arrival at an aerodrome, is to be delivered without delay by the operator or a flight crew member to the aerodrome meteorological office. If such an office is not easily accessible, the completed form shall be delivered in accordance with local arrangements agreed upon between MET and ATS providers and the aircraft operator.

3.      FORWARDING OF METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION RECEIVED BY VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

When receiving special air-reports, ATS units shall forward these air-reports without delay to the associated meteorological watch office (MWO). In order to ensure assimilation of air-reports in ground-based automated systems, the elements of such reports shall be transmitted using the data conventions specified below and in the order prescribed.

—    ADDRESSEE. Record the station called and, when necessary, relay required.

—    MESSAGE TYPE DESIGNATOR. Record “ARS” for a special air-report.

—    AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION. Record the aircraft identification using the data convention specified for Item 7 of the flight plan, without a space between the operator’s designator and the aircraft registration or flight identification, if used.

Section 1

Item 0 – POSITION. Record position in latitude (degrees as 2 numerics or degrees and minutes as 4 numerics, followed, without a space, by N or S) and longitude (degrees as 3 numerics or degrees and minutes as 5 numerics, followed without a space by E or W), or as a significant point identified by a coded designator (2 to 5 characters), or as a significant point followed by magnetic bearing (3 numerics) and distance in nautical miles (3 numerics) from the point. Precede significant point with “ABEAM”, if applicable.

Item 1 – TIME. Record time in hours and minutes UTC (4 numerics).

Item 2 – FLIGHT LEVEL OR ALTITUDE. Record “F” followed by 3 numerics (e.g. “F310”) when a flight level is reported. Record altitude in metres followed by “M” or in feet followed by “FT” when an altitude is reported. Record “ASC” (level) when climbing or “DES” (level) when descending.

Section 3

Item 9 – PHENOMENON PROMPTING A SPECIAL AIR-REPORT. Record the phenomenon reported as follows:

—    moderate turbulence as “TURB MOD”,

—    severe turbulence as “TURB SEV”,

—    moderate icing as “ICE MOD”,

—    severe icing as “ICE SEV”,

—    severe mountain wave as “MTW SEV”,

—    thunderstorm without hail as “TS”,

—    thunderstorm with hail as “TSGR”,

—    heavy sandstorm as “HVY SS”,

—    heavy duststorm as “HVY DS”,

—    volcanic ash cloud as “VA CLD”,

—    pre-eruption volcanic activity or a volcanic eruption as “VA”,

—    hail as “GR”,

—    cumulonimbus clouds as “CB”.

TIME TRANSMITTED. Record only when Section 3 is transmitted.

4.      SPECIFIC PROVISIONS RELATED TO REPORTING WIND SHEAR AND VOLCANIC ASH

4.1.    Reporting of wind shear

4.1.1. When reporting aircraft observations of wind shear encountered during the climb-out and approach phases of flight, the aircraft type shall be included.

4.1.2. Where wind shear conditions in the climb-out or approach phases of flight were reported or forecast but not encountered, the pilot-in-command shall advise the appropriate air traffic services unit as soon as practicable unless the pilot-in-command is aware that the appropriate air traffic services unit has already been so advised by a preceding aircraft.

4.2.    Post-flight reporting of volcanic activity

4.2.1. On arrival of a flight at an aerodrome, the completed report of volcanic activity shall be delivered by the aircraft operator or a flight crew member, without delay, to the aerodrome meteorological office, or if such office is not easily accessible to arriving flight crew members, the completed form shall be dealt with in accordance with local arrangements agreed upon between MET and ATS providers and the aircraft operator.

4.2.2. The completed report of volcanic activity received by an aerodrome meteorological office shall be transmitted without delay to the meteorological watch office responsible for the provision of meteorological watch for the flight information region in which the volcanic activity was observed.

[applicable from 1 May 2025 – Regulation (EU) 2024/404]

[applicable from 1 May 2025 – Regulation (EU) 2024/1111 (for Item 8 – ENDURANCE.)]

B.      SPECIAL AIR-REPORT OF VOLCANIC ACTIVITY FORM (MODEL VAR)