Definition
A required or requested transmission from a pilot to ATC providing specific information about the aircraft's position, altitude, condition, or progress along a route. Reports may be mandatory (required by regulation, clearance, or procedure) or made on request from the controller.
Plain English
Telling ATC something specific about your flight, either because you're required to or because they asked you to.
Context Anchor
Heard on the radio when a controller needs an update from the pilot, such as reaching an altitude, seeing an airport, or passing a stated point.
Derivation
“Report” comes from Latin words meaning “to carry back.” That fits the aviation use: the pilot carries information back to the controller.
Why Pilots Care
Proper reports maintain traffic separation, prevent airspace conflicts, and keep everyone aware of your aircraft's location and status.
Intuition Check
“Report” does not mean a written document here. It means a radio call giving the specific information the controller asked for.
Example Sentence 1
Cleared to descend to 6,000; report reaching.
Example Sentence 2
After spotting the traffic, the pilot reported it in sight to the tower.