Plain English Meaning

UA is the code that says: 'This is a regular pilot weather report — nothing urgent, just sharing what the weather is like up here.'

Full Definition

UA is the standard identifier used at the start of a routine pilot weather report (PIREP) to mark the message as a non-urgent report of weather conditions encountered in flight. It distinguishes routine PIREPs from urgent ones, which are identified by UUA.

Context Anchor

Seen at the beginning of a pilot weather report, before the report gives the location, time, altitude, and weather details.

Derivation

UA stands for 'Upper Air,' meaning a report from aloft (in the air) rather than from a ground station. The 'U' for urgent is added (UUA) when warrant immediate .