What Is a PIREP and How Is It Reviewed?
What a PIREP is, how to submit one, and how it's reviewed.
What is a PIREP?
A PIREP (Pilot Report) is the flight record you submit for credit at Delta Virtual. It can include departure and arrival information, flight time, aircraft data, route details, and events captured by the tracking software.
How should I submit it?
Use an approved ACARS client for normal flights:
- smartCARS
- vmsACARS
- Stratos (early beta)
- Delta ACARS (early beta)
Once a flight is complete, use the submission workflow provided by your ACARS client. Check the PIREP list in the Crew Center for its current status.
Are reports always accepted automatically?
Not necessarily. Pilot Operations may review a report for flight-rule compliance and data integrity. A hard landing, abnormal route, or incomplete recording may require review or clarification. An ACARS defect alone should not be grounds for penalty when the technical issue is confirmed and outside the pilot's control.
Can I submit manually?
Manual PIREPs are a backup, not the normal flight-logging method. They may be considered after an approved ACARS failure if credible evidence reasonably supports the completed flight.
Need a review explained?
Contact Pilot Operations, including the Director of Pilot Operations (DPO), and provide your report details and any relevant screenshots or logs.
Policy reference: Delta Virtual SOP v4.0, sections 6.4-6.5 and 7.
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