When reporting cloud height or visibility between two values, what value do you report?

In aviation weather reporting, when you're tasked with reporting cloud height or visibility that falls between two values, the practice is to report the lowest reportable value. This methodology prioritizes safety, ensuring that pilots and air traffic controllers are aware of the most conservative measure when assessing flight conditions.

For example, if visibility is reported between 3 miles and 5 miles, the only reportable visibility value would be 3 miles since it is crucial for flight safety to provide the least favorable conditions. Reporting the lowest value helps to mitigate risks associated with limited visibility or low cloud heights, thereby aiding pilots in making informed decisions.

Other approaches, such as reporting the higher value, mean value, or averages of previous observations, can potentially lead to an overestimation of conditions that may not accurately reflect the current situation, thus compromising safety in flight operations. Therefore, sticking to reporting the lowest reportable value is essential for maintaining clear and reliable communication in aviation.