FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsMedium
An IFR flight is not in radar contact and is approaching a compulsory reporting point. Per 14 CFR 91.183 and AIM guidance, which items must be included in the position report to ATC?
- AOnly the current altitude and magnetic heading, since Mode C reports position automatically.
- BThe pilot's total flight time and the departure airport identifier only.
- CAircraft type, fuel remaining, and number of souls on board only.
- DPosition, time over the fix, altitude, and the ETA and name of the next reporting point.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Position, time over the fix, altitude, and the ETA and name of the next reporting point.
14 CFR 91.183 requires pilots not in radar contact to report at compulsory reporting points, including identification, position, time, altitude, and the ETA and name of the next reporting point, so ATC can maintain separation without radar.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Mode C only reports altitude, not position or ETA; a verbal report is still required.
- B. Total flight time and departure airport are not part of the required position report.
- C. That information is used for flight plan/search-and-rescue purposes, not routine position reports.
Compulsory Position Reports (91.183)
Reports required at compulsory reporting points when an IFR aircraft is not in radar contact, containing position, time, altitude, and next fix ETA.
- Required only when not in radar contact
- Includes position, time, altitude, and ETA/name of next reporting point
- Also includes name of next succeeding fix if IFR
Memory trick: 'PTA-Next: Position, Time, Altitude, Next fix.'