Instrument Flight
General Communication Procedures
IFR VOICE PROCEDURES
REPORTS THAT ARE MADE AT ALL TIMES (RADAR AND NON-RADAR)
1. When vacating any previously assigned altitude or flight level for a newly assigned altitude or flight
level.
2. When an altitude change will be made if operating on a clearance specifying “VFR ON TOP.” (Below
18,000 ft MSL or above FL600).
3. When unable to descend or climb at a rate of at least 500 ft per minute.
4. When an approach has been missed. (Include a request for specific action; i.e., to alternate airport,
another approach, etc.)
5. Change in the average true airspeed (at cruising altitude) when it varies by 5 percent or 10 kts
(whichever is greater) from that filed in the flight plan.
6. Time and altitude arriving at a holding fix or point which cleared.
7. When leaving any holding fix or point.
NOTE: The reports in subparagraphs (6) and (7) above may be omitted by pilots of aircraft involved in
instrument training at military terminal area facilities when radar service is provided.
8. Any loss of navigation capability such as VOR, TACAN, ADF, INS, and complete or partial loss of ILS
capability or impairment of air/ground communications capability. Reports should include aircraft
(identification), (equipment affected), (degree to which the capability to operate under IFR in the ATC
system is impaired), and (the nature and extent of assistance desired from ATC).
NOTE: Other equipment installed in an aircraft that may effectively impair safety and/or the ability to
operate under IFR. If such equipment (e.g., airborne weather radar) malfunctions and in the pilots
judgment either safety or IFR capabilities are affected, reports should be made.
9. Any information relating to safety of flight.
10. Encountering weather conditions which have not been forecast or hazardous conditions which have
been forecast, you are expected to forward a report of such weather to ATC, and time permitting, FSS
or METRO.
NOTE: The ATC controlling agency should be informed anytime weather conditions on an IFR
approach differ from the latest observation or anytime a wind shear or (microburst) is encountered on
departure or approach.
11. Beginning and end of a direct route (off airway) between two navigational points or fixes regardless of
altitude or flight level including when operating on an ATC clearance specifying VFR ON TOP.
Additionally, if a pilot is handed off while in transit on a direct leg, state present position to new
controller on initial contact.
12. When unable to comply with an ATC clearance as given.
REPORTS SPECIFIC TO RADAR ENVIRONMENT
When operating in a radar environment and no position is required: On initial contact, pilots should advise
controllers of their altitudes preceded by the word “level,” “climbing,” or “descending” and provide the
present vacating altitude, if applicable, and the final altitude. Also, when on other than published routes,
pilots should include the present navigational position on initial contact with each air traffic controller.
NOTE: Pilots will comply with all specific ATC-requested reports during a given flight regardless of
environment (radar or non-radar).
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