Definition
Spoken reports made by a pilot to air traffic control (ATC) or a flight service station over the radio, typically to relay required position, weather, or operational information during flight.
Plain English
Information you say out loud over the radio to controllers or flight service, rather than sending in writing or by data link.
Context Anchor
Seen when pilots give information to air traffic control, flight service, or airport personnel by radio or phone, especially when the information is current and useful to others.
Derivation
From Latin verbum, meaning 'word.' A verbal report is one delivered in spoken words — useful to distinguish from written or electronic reports such as those sent via data link or text.
Why Pilots Care
Provides immediate, firsthand information about hazards such as turbulence or icing that other pilots can use for safer routing and decision-making.
Intuition Check
Do not read “verbal” as meaning casual or unofficial. In this context, it means spoken; a verbal report can still be important operational information.
Example Sentence 1
Crossing the holding fix, the pilot made a verbal report to ATC stating altitude, time, and the next reporting point.
Example Sentence 2
Flight service requested verbal reports from aircraft in the area to update the current weather advisory.