Position Reports

A position report is a structured radio message that tells air traffic services where you are, what you are doing, and what your intentions are. Position reports are the backbone of en route communication. They allow the facility to track your progress, separate you from other traffic, and maintain awareness of your flight.

Position reports are mandatory in certain circumstances (for example, when transiting controlled airspace or when requesting radar service). In uncontrolled airspace with FIS, position reports are usually requested at regular intervals, typically every thirty minutes.

The format of a position report is standardized by ICAO. The elements are transmitted in a specific order, and each element has a defined meaning. Learning the format now will make position reporting automatic in the future.