Ch.4 - Position Reporting Flashcards
What are the reasons for position reports
- Clearance requests
- Traffic info/avoidance
- Radar identification
- SAR
Clearance requests position reports
When you wish to enter controlled airspace your call to Air Traffic Control will generally need to include a position report. The purpose of this call is to let ATC know where you are so that they can assess how you can be integrated with traffic already in the controlled airspace.
Traffic/information avoidance position reports
Other pilots will be listening to the position report you make and they can assess your position relative to themselves. This will assist them in sighting you and so avoid a collision with you if you are in their vicinity. Also, Air Traffic Services use this information to provide traffic information to other aircraft.
Radar identification position reports
A radar controller can positively identify that the target on the radar screen is actually you when the target is in the same position (on the screen) as your reported position.
SAR position reports
The regular passing to Air Traffic Services of position reports facilitates the monitoring of your progress and can narrow down the search area should you fail to arrive at your destination.
When must position reports be broadcasted
- When requesting a clearance to enter class C or D (controlled) airspace
- When requested by ATC when operating in class C or D airspace
- At entry and at specified locations and intervals while operating in an MBZ
- Prior to entry into Restricted or Military Operating areas if ATC is the controlling authority.
What are the contents of a position report
- Callsign
- Your position
- Time at position
- Altitude
- Intended route / intentions
- Next landing point and ETA
- Request clearance
Position report contents - indication
Aircraft callsign and discrete transponder code
Position report contents - your position
You can report in position in many ways such as
- Reporting when flying overhead a prominent geographical position;
- Reporting your position relative to a prominent geographical position, for example, 5 miles north of Woodville
- Reporting your position relative to a radial/bearing and distance from a navigation aid such as a VOR, NDB or DME station.
What to avoid when reporting your position
- Avoid reports such as over Auckland as this is a very big place
- Be careful when using the term as abeam as you could be any direction, so when using this term include more details
- Avoid reports such as “crossing the river” as this is too vague
Position report contents - Time at position
The time at which you passed the position is included if you were at the position a few minutes ago, however, if you are making the report as you fly over the position then the time is not required
Position report contents - level
Altitude (not height above ground)
Position report contents - intended route
Report your intended route to the next significant position, this is done to narrow down the search area if you crash and it advises ATC of your requested route when you ask for a clearance to transmit through controlled airspace, it also provides traffic info to other aircraft
Position report contents - ETA
Report your ETA to next landing point, this is not needed if requesting a clearance to transit through a Control Area
Position report contents - request clearance
Only needed if requesting clearance through controlled airspace
