IFR Additional Reports

AIM ¶ 5-3-3 IFR Additional Reports

AIM 5-3-3 lists pilot reports required to ATC without request — altitude changes, missed approach, equipment loss, and more. Study guide for IFR checkrides.

In Plain English

AIM 5-3-3 lists reports IFR pilots must make to ATC or FSS without being asked. Memorizing these is essential for instrument checkrides and real-world IFR operations.

At all times, report:

  • Vacating a previously assigned altitude for a new one
  • Altitude changes when on a VFR-on-top clearance
  • Inability to climb or descend at 500 fpm or better
  • A missed approach (and request specific follow-up action)
  • A change in true airspeed at cruise of 5% or 10 knots (whichever is greater) from filed
  • Time and altitude reaching a holding fix
  • Leaving any assigned holding fix
  • Loss of VOR, TACAN, ADF, LF nav, GPS anomalies, ILS, or comms in controlled airspace — include aircraft ID, equipment affected, degree of IFR impairment, and assistance desired
  • Any information affecting safety of flight

When not in radar contact, also report:

  • Leaving the FAF inbound (nonprecision) or OM/fix in lieu inbound (precision)
  • A corrected ETA when previous estimate is off by more than 2 minutes (3 minutes in the North Atlantic)

Pilots are also expected to report unforecast or hazardous weather via PIREPs. While the AIM is informational, much of this content is reinforced by 14 CFR 91.183.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 5-3-3
5-3-3. 5-3-3. Additional Reports The following reports should be made to ATC or FSS facilities without a specific ATC request: At all times. When vacating any previously assigned altitude or flight level for a newly assigned altitude or flight level. When an altitude change will be made if operating on a clearance specifying VFR-on-top. When unable to climb/descend at a rate of a least 500 feet per minute. When approach has been missed. (Request clearance for specific action; i.e., to alternative airport, another approach, etc.) Change in the average true airspeed (at cruising altitude) when it varies by 5 percent or 10 knots (whichever is greater) from that filed in the flight plan. The time and altitude or flight level upon reaching a holding fix or point to which cleared. When leaving any assigned holding fix or point. NOTE- The reports in subparagraphs (f) and (g) may be omitted by pilots of aircraft involved in instrument training at military terminal area facilities when radar service is being provided. Any loss, in controlled airspace, of VOR, TACAN, ADF, low frequency navigation receiver capability, GPS anomalies while using installed IFR-certified GPS/GNSS receivers, complete or partial loss of ILS receiver capability or impairment of air/ground communications capability. Reports should include aircraft identification, equipment affected, degree to which the capability to operate under IFR in the ATC system is impaired, and the nature and extent of assistance desired from ATC. NOTE- Other equipment installed in an aircraft may effectively impair safety and/or the ability to operate under IFR. If such equipment (e.g., airborne weather radar) malfunctions and in the pilot's judgment either safety or IFR capabilities are affected, reports should be made as above. When reporting GPS anomalies, include the location and altitude of the anomaly. Be specific when describing the location and include duration of the anomaly if necessary. Any information relating to the safety of flight. When not in radar contact. When leaving final approach fix inbound on final approach (nonprecision approach) or when leaving the outer marker or fix used in lieu of the outer marker inbound on final approach (precision approach). A corrected estimate at anytime it becomes apparent that an estimate as previously submitted is in error in excess of 2 minutes. For flights in the North Atlantic (NAT), a revised estimate is required if the error is 3 minutes or more. Pilots encountering weather conditions which have not been forecast, or hazardous conditions which have been forecast, are expected to forward a report of such weather to ATC. REFERENCE- AIM, Para 7-1-18 , Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPs). 14 CFR Section 91.183(B) and (C).
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What reports are required at all times under IFR without an ATC request?
Per AIM 5-3-3, at all times pilots must report: vacating an assigned altitude, altitude changes on VFR-on-top, inability to climb/descend at least 500 fpm, a missed approach, a TAS change of 5% or 10 knots (whichever is greater) from filed, reaching and leaving a holding fix, loss of nav/comm equipment or GPS anomalies in controlled airspace, and any information affecting safety of flight.
Q2What additional reports are required when not in radar contact?
Per AIM 5-3-3, when not in radar contact, pilots must also report leaving the final approach fix inbound on a nonprecision approach (or the outer marker/fix in lieu inbound on a precision approach), and provide a corrected estimate any time a previously submitted ETA is in error by more than 2 minutes (3 minutes for North Atlantic flights).
Q3If your IFR-certified GPS experiences an anomaly, what should you report?
Per AIM 5-3-3, you should report the loss or anomaly to ATC, including aircraft identification, the equipment affected, the degree to which your ability to operate IFR is impaired, and the nature and extent of assistance desired. For GPS anomalies specifically, include the location and altitude of the anomaly, being specific about location, and the duration if necessary.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5
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AIM 5-3-3 — IFR Additional Reports to ATC