Definition
A radio report made by a pilot to ATC stating the aircraft's location, time over that location, altitude, and other required details, used so controllers can track the flight's progress along its route.
Plain English
A radio call where the pilot tells the controller where the aircraft is, what time it got there, how high it is, and where it's going next.
Context Anchor
Used in radio communication with air traffic control, especially when the controller needs the aircraft’s location confirmed or when radar coverage is limited or unavailable.
Derivation
Position comes from a Latin word meaning “placement” or “where something is placed.” Report comes from a Latin word meaning “to carry back” or “bring information back.” Together, the term means carrying back information about where the aircraft is located.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps air traffic control aware of the aircraft location so they can maintain safe separation between planes.
Intuition Check
Do not read position report as just any casual statement about location. In FAA use, it is a specific location message from the aircraft, tied to a known point and a particular time.
Example Sentence 1
Crossing the reporting fix, the pilot made a position report giving the controller their location, time, and altitude.
Example Sentence 2
In remote areas without radar, the pilot made a position report to confirm location and next waypoint.