General Communication Procedures
Instrument Flight
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).
REPORTS SPECIFIC TO NON-RADAR ENVIRONMENT
When radar contact has not been established by initial handoff
1. Initial contact not at a fix; report will include “ATC (name), aircraft (identification), estimating (to the
next identifiable published fix or reporting point and time), (descending, climbing, or maintaining
altitude or flight level).”
2. Initial contact at a fix; report will consist of a courtesy call only “ATC (name), aircraft (identification),
and (position).
NOTE: If ATC states “Roger” and does not state “Go ahead” then no additional information is required at
this time. Another courtesy call shall be made once the aircraft has reached the next designated reporting
point “solid triangles” (low altitude structure). (There are no compulsory reporting points in the high
altitude structure.)
If ATC states “Go ahead” then a full position report is required.
3. Position report includes, “(position), (time), (altitude), (next compulsory reporting point), (planned time
to that point), (next compulsory reporting point).” (P.T.A.P.T.P.)
NOTE: If radar contact is established or has been reestablished once lost along the route, pilots should
discontinue position reports over designated reporting points in the low altitude structure. Pilots should
resume normal non-radar position reporting when ATC advises “Radar Contact Lost” or “Radar Service
Terminated.”
4. When leaving a final approach fix inbound on final approach (non-precision approach) or when
leaving the outer marker or fix used in lieu of the outer marker inbound on final approach (precision
approach).
(12-00) Original
Page 51
Previous Page
