Definition 1 of 2
Definition
Items of information a pilot is asked to provide to Air Traffic Control to assist controllers in handling traffic safely and efficiently. Standard ATC requests include the aircraft's altitude, position, intentions, route of flight, time and altitude of crossing a specified fix, weather encountered along the route, and any deviation from a previously assigned clearance.
Plain English
These are the things ATC may ask a pilot to report — like where you are, what altitude you're at, what you plan to do next, or what the weather is doing — so controllers can keep traffic moving safely.
Context Anchor
Heard during radio communication with a control tower, approach control, departure control, or center.
Why Pilots Care
Complying with ATC requests maintains aircraft separation and prevents conflicts with other traffic.
Intuition Check
Do not assume every ATC request is optional casual talk. If ATC asks for information or an action, respond clearly; if you cannot safely do it, say “unable.”
Example Sentence 1
In response to an ATC request, the pilot reported leaving 8,000 feet for 10,000 feet.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach the controller issued ATC requests to reduce speed and intercept the localizer.