To obtain information regarding cloud tops, icing, and turbulence, pilots should check:

Checking pilot reports, also known as PIREPS, is essential for obtaining real-time information about cloud tops, icing conditions, and turbulence. PIREPS are submitted by pilots in flight and provide firsthand accounts of weather conditions they are experiencing. This information can be crucial for other pilots planning their routes and making decisions based on current atmospheric conditions.

While other options may offer valuable weather information, PIREPS are unique in that they reflect live observations from within the airspace, allowing pilots to gauge conditions accurately and possibly adjust their flight plans accordingly. This immediacy distinguishes PIREPS from advisories or regulations, which may not capture rapidly changing weather phenomena.