Position Reporting

Position reporting is the act of informing Air Traffic Control (ATC) or Flight Information Services (FIS) of an aircraft’s current location, altitude, and intentions, usually at a predefined reporting point or when requested. It is an essential element of flight under both VFR and IFR, particularly in non-radar environments, uncontrolled airspace, or during oceanic and remote operations.

• Maintain situational awareness for controllers and other traffic
• Ensure airspace safety and traffic separation, especially without radar
• Provide tracking data for search and rescue, route progression, and flow control
• Support procedural control in areas without surveillance

• At compulsory reporting points (marked with a solid triangle on charts)
• When instructed by ATC or FIS
• In Class G or E airspace while receiving advisory service
• During VFR operations into or out of a control zone (CTR)
• On non-radar IFR routes (e.g., oceanic, mountainous, or remote regions)
• When entering or exiting controlled airspace

IFR: “Austrian 831, reporting MOLUS at 1230, flight level 330, estimating LAMGO at 1245.”
VFR: “OE-CVC, over November at 2500 feet, inbound for landing.”

• Typically done at visual reporting points (VRPs) near aerodromes
• Required for joining circuits, CTR entries, and transits
• Helps other VFR traffic identify and sequence properly

• “Wien Tower, OE-XYZ, over Whiskey at 2500 feet, inbound for landing.”
• “Overhead field at 1500 feet, joining downwind runway 27.”
• “Departing CTR via Echo at 2000 feet.”

• Done at fixes, waypoints, or navigation aids
• Required in non-radar environments, or when radar contact is lost
• Often automated via CPDLC, FMS position reporting, or ACARS

• “Reporting UNOKO at 1432, flight level 270, estimating XEBIX at 1450.”
• “Contact lost radar, resume position reporting at each fix.”

• ✅ Speak clearly and concisely
• ✅ Use UTC/Zulu time
• ✅ Maintain situational awareness — especially in non-radar or uncontrolled airspace
• ✅ Always carry and know how to read VFR charts and waypoints

Use LearnATC’s live traffic simulations and guided VFR/IFR training modes to build confidence in:

• Visual reporting points
• Procedural IFR communication
• Emergency position reporting