In a busy ATC environment, you may need to wait for lower-priority traffic to clear before your routine message can be transmitted. This is normal. If your message is flight-safety-critical (traffic, weather deviation, equipment issue), clearly indicate this in your transmission. ATC will prioritize accordingly. If you have a non-urgent position report but ATC is busy, wait until there is a break.
Example of priority in action:
  • You (F-ABCD) are en route, position report due.
  • Another aircraft (D-EFGH) transmits: "Urgent, weather deviation required, light turbulence at two thousand meters, requesting left turn to two-seven-zero."
  • Your position report can wait. D-EFGH's safety-critical deviation takes priority.
  • You do not transmit over this traffic. Wait for ATC to handle the other aircraft.