During an IFR flight in IMC, a pilot's VOR receiver fails and can no longer be used for navigation. According to 14 CFR 91.187, what must the pilot report to ATC?
- AOnly the pilot's intention to divert to the nearest suitable airport
- BA written report to be filed with the FAA within 10 days of landing
- CThe aircraft's total fuel remaining and number of souls on board
- DAircraft identification, equipment affected, and the degree to which IFR capability is impaired
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Aircraft identification, equipment affected, and the degree to which IFR capability is impaired
14 CFR 91.187 requires the pilot of an aircraft operated under IFR to report immediately to ATC any malfunction of navigation or approach equipment, including the aircraft identification, the equipment affected, and the degree to which this impairs the pilot's capability to operate under IFR, along with the nature and extent of assistance desired. There is no 10-day written report requirement, and fuel/souls on board is unrelated to this specific report.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Reporting intentions to divert is not the specific content 91.187 requires.
- B. There is no written 10-day report requirement under 91.187.
- C. Fuel and souls on board relate to other reporting situations, not 91.187.
Malfunction Reports (91.187)
Pilots operating IFR must immediately report to ATC any malfunction of navigation, approach, or communication equipment occurring in flight, describing the equipment and impact on IFR capability.
- Report must be made immediately, not after landing
- Includes aircraft ID and equipment affected
- Includes degree to which IFR operation capability is impaired
- Includes nature and extent of assistance desired from ATC
Memory trick: 'ID it, degrade it, ask for aid' — the three parts of a malfunction report.