Regulation Text
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, the pilot in command of each aircraft operated under IFR in controlled airspace must ensure that a continuous watch is maintained on the appropriate frequency and must report the following as soon as possible—
(a) The time and altitude of passing each designated reporting point, or the reporting points specified by ATC, except that while the aircraft is under radar control, only the passing of those reporting points specifically requested by ATC need be reported;
(b) Any unforecast weather conditions encountered; and
(c) Any other information relating to the safety of flight.
[Docket 18334, 54 FR 34294, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by Amdt. 91-296, 72 FR 31679, June 7, 2007]
Research Notes
Section 91.183 governs IFR communications — when and how the pilot reports to ATC during IFR operations.
Paragraph (a) — Required reports: The pilot must report:
- (1) Time and altitude when passing each designated reporting point, or when in radar contact, only when requested by ATC
- (2) Any unforecast weather conditions encountered
- (3) Any other information relating to the safety of flight
'Radar contact' eliminates most position reports: Under radar surveillance, ATC tracks the aircraft and does not require the pilot to read out position. The pilot just reports significant changes (weather, fuel, equipment status) and complies with controller queries.
'Radar contact lost' brings back the position reports: If ATC announces 'radar contact lost,' the pilot resumes reporting at compulsory reporting points (those depicted as solid triangles on the enroute chart). On non-compulsory reporting points (open triangles), reports are made when requested by ATC.
What to report on a position report (the '5 Ts' or the standard format):
- Position (the reporting point)
- Time over the point
- Altitude
- Type of flight plan (if not previously stated)
- ETA at next point and the next point name
- Remarks (weather, etc.)
Reference: AIM 5-3 on Position Reports.
Amendment History
Amendment History Coming Soon
Every time this regulation changes, we'll record it here — the date, what was amended, and a plain-English summary of what shifted.