Definition
In a PIREP (Pilot Report), /OV is the field identifier that introduces the location of the reported weather phenomenon, given as a navaid identifier with a radial and distance, an airport identifier, or a fix.
Plain English
It's the part of a pilot weather report that tells you where the pilot was when they observed the weather they're reporting.
Context Anchor
Seen in pilot weather reports, where each slash code marks a different part of the report.
Derivation
OV is short for 'over,' as in 'over this location.' Each field in a PIREP starts with a slash and a one- or two-letter tag so the report can be parsed quickly.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing the precise location lets other pilots decide whether the reported weather will affect their route.
Intuition Check
Do not read /OV as “overcast.” In a PIREP, /OV identifies the report location, not the amount of cloud cover.
Example Sentence 1
The PIREP read '/OV BUM 360015,' meaning the pilot was 15 nautical miles north of the Butler VOR when they observed the conditions.
Example Sentence 2
When reading a PIREP that starts /OV JFK, the pilot knows the turbulence report applies right over John F. Kennedy airport.