En route position reports & broadcasts
| Report | Ref | When | Report to | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VFR position report | RAC 5.1 | - | - | In order: identification, position, time over, altitude, VFR or VFR-OTT, destination. ETA for destination or next reporting point may be added |
| NAVAID position report | RAC 8.10(b) | Over every NAVAID on route | Nearest station with air-ground communications capability | position, track, altitude, altimeter setting in use, next position, ETA |
| General position report | NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology | - | ATS unit or enroute traffic | aircraft call sign, position, altitude, and intentions, flight plan, or destination |
- RCO call: on initial contact tell FIC it is a VFR or VFR-OTT report. Give RCO location name, then R-C-O spoken nonphonetically (not "Romeo Charlie Oscar").
- VFR reports to FIC on FISE frequency: recorded by flight service specialist, immediately available if SAR needed (RAC 5.1).
- General position report: if directed to a FIC, establish initial contact before giving report.
Minimum, not a ceiling (RAC 8.10(e)):
- Make extra reports whenever conflicting IFR traffic seems possible.
- e.g. before overflying a facility with likely cross traffic or a published instrument approach.
Broadcast before acting (RAC 8.10(c)): on 126.7 MHz, whenever practicable, with enough detail for others to judge conflict with their flight path. Before:
- Changing altitude
- Commencing an instrument approach
- Departing IFR
Aerodrome with designated MF (RAC 8.10(d)):
| Case | Rule |
|---|---|
| Arriving | Shall broadcast intentions on 126.7 MHz before changing to MF |
| Departing IFR | Broadcast on 126.7 MHz in addition to MF, before takeoff |
- Arriving with conflicting IFR traffic evident: delay MF change until resolved.
Practice area calls (VFR Phraseology):
- Before entering: inquire whether area is occupied.
- Once established: outline boundaries with identifiable landmarks. State altitude or altitude block.
- After: report again only when necessary, not on a schedule:
- traffic moving into adjacent area
- you moving or changing altitude
Unnecessary calls congest frequency.
Trap: arriving pre-MF broadcast on 126.7 MHz is a shall, not a recommendation.
References
- TC AIM RAC 8.10
- TC AIM RAC 5.1
- NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Practice Area Position Report