Where can pilots find real-time information about icing conditions?

Pilots can find real-time information about icing conditions primarily through PIREPs, which are Pilot Reports. These reports are generated by pilots in-flight and provide firsthand accounts of weather phenomena, including icing. PIREPs are crucial for understanding current weather conditions that may not be available from other sources, as they reflect the actual experience of pilots flying in specific areas.

In contrast, weather satellites offer observed data but do not provide real-time reports from the cockpit, which makes them less useful for immediate safety concerns like icing. While air traffic control can relay certain weather information, they are not typically the source of detailed reports about actual icing experienced by pilots. Flight manuals, although containing important information about aircraft operations and performance in icing conditions, do not provide live, real-time conditions. Thus, PIREPs serve as a vital tool for disseminating immediate and relevant weather information that directly affects flight safety.