FAR 91.183 — IFR Required Reports
FAR 91.183 explains IFR communication duties: maintaining a continuous radio watch and reporting position, weather, and safety items to ATC.
FAR 91.183 spells out your basic communication responsibilities when flying IFR in controlled airspace. Unless ATC says otherwise, the pilot in command must keep a continuous watch on the appropriate ATC frequency and report certain items as soon as possible.
You must report:
- Position reports — the time and altitude over each designated reporting point (or those ATC specifies). When you're under radar control, you only need to report the points ATC specifically requests.
- Unforecast weather — anything you encounter that wasn't in the forecast (icing, turbulence, ceilings, visibility, etc.).
- Any other information relating to the safety of flight.
Why it matters operationally: ATC builds separation and traffic flow on the assumption you're listening and that they know where you are. Missing a required report — especially position or unexpected weather — can break that picture and create a real safety hazard. On a checkride, expect the examiner to test whether you know these reports cold and can deliver them in proper format.