Definition
The standardized set of information a pilot transmits to ATC when making a position report over a reporting point. The required items, in order, are: aircraft identification, position, time, altitude or flight level, type of flight plan (when not in radar contact), ETA and name of next reporting point, the name only of the next succeeding reporting point along the route of flight, and pertinent remarks.
Plain English
The list of facts a pilot reads off in order when telling ATC where the aircraft is, when it got there, how high it is, and where it's going next.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when a pilot must report progress along a route, especially when radar contact is not available or when air traffic control requests a position report.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures controllers maintain accurate aircraft position data for traffic separation and safe routing in controlled airspace.
Intuition Check
Do not read “position report” as only “where I am.” In this context, the report includes a full set of route and timing details, not just the aircraft’s location.
Example Sentence 1
Crossing the boundary into oceanic airspace, the crew ran through the position report items and transmitted their report to ATC.
Example Sentence 2
Missing one of the position report items can delay ATC updates and affect traffic flow.