Pilot reports - or PIREPs - are vital for safe operations, said John Kosak, program manager, weather, NBAA Air Traffic Services. The real-time weather updates are, "A fantastic way to get weather [information] out," he said. "It really is the best way while we're in the air to communicate information." The NTSB has said improving PIREPs is on its list of most wanted safety improvements, and "it really is potentially a matter of life or death," Kosak said.