Position Reports

For ease of presentation, we divided the required IFR reports into two main camps: IFR position reports and all the rest. All these reports are covered in the following sources: 14 CFR 91.183, 14 CFR 91.187, and AIM 5-3-2 and 5-3-3. Since required position reports are covered in 91.183(a) and AIM 5-3-2, that leaves the other sources for the additional reports.

Editorial Staff

Friday, November 14, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

IFR reports are categorized into various operational reports (e.g., missed approach, airspeed change, unforecast weather, radio malfunction), summarized by the "MARVELOUS VFR 500" mnemonic, and specific position reports.
Pilots must make position reports over charted "compulsory reporting points" (indicated by solid symbols) when not in radar contact.
Critically, when flying off-airway direct routes without radar contact, all fixes used to define that route become mandatory reporting points, even if not marked as "compulsory."
Required position reports must include specific information, such as identification, position, time, altitude, ETA for the next point, and pertinent remarks, summarized by the "I PTA TEN P" mnemonic.

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We summarized those additional reports with the mnemonic “MARVELOUS VFR 500.” Here’s a quick recap: M is for missed approach (including your next action—return, divert, etc.). A is for an airspeed (average true airspeed) change from what you filed of 10 knots or five percent, whichever’s greater. R is for reaching a clearance limit or holding fix. V means you must report vacating a previously assigned altitude. Estimated time of arrivals must be corrected if your previous estimate will be missed by more than three minutes (only required when not in radar contact). L is for your report leaving an assigned holding fix or point. Outer markers must be reported to FSS or ATC when not in radar contact on a precision approach. Unforecast weather or any hazardous conditions must be reported, as must any Safety of flight issue. If flying VFR-on-top, you must report any altitude change. Just like our “O” above, you must report the Final approach fix if talking to ATC or FSS when inbound on a non-precision approach. Any Radio malfunctions including VHF communications radios as well as VHF and LF navigation and GPS anomalies must be reported. Last but not least, if unable to climb or descend at least 500 feet per minute, you must tell ATC or FSS.