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Compulsory vs Non-Compulsory Reporting Points in IFR Flight

In IFR flying, clear communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is just as critical as precise navigation. One of the ways ATC maintains situational awareness—especially outside radar coverage—is through position reports made at designated reporting points.


These reporting points fall into two main categories:

  • Compulsory reporting points

  • Non-compulsory reporting points


Understanding the difference between them, when reports are required, and how they affect IFR operations is essential for safe, compliant instrument flying.



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What Is a Reporting Point?

A reporting point is a defined geographic location—such as a fix, waypoint, or navaid—where a pilot may be expected to report their position to ATC.


Reporting points help ATC:

  • Track aircraft progress

  • Maintain separation

  • Coordinate traffic in non-radar or limited-radar environments

  • Manage sequencing and handoffs


Not all reporting points are treated the same, which is why they are classified as compulsory or non-compulsory.


Compulsory Reporting Points

Definition

A compulsory reporting point is a location where a pilot must report their position to ATC unless ATC explicitly states otherwise.


If you pass a compulsory reporting point in IFR flight and ATC has not waived the requirement, a report is mandatory.


How Compulsory Reporting Points Are Identified

On IFR enroute charts, compulsory reporting points are shown by:

  • Solid (filled) triangles at fixes or intersections


These fixes are strategically placed where ATC needs positive confirmation of an aircraft’s position.


When Reports Are Required

You must report at compulsory reporting points when:

  • Flying in non-radar airspace

  • Flying in radar airspace but ATC has not stated “radar contact”

  • Operating under procedural control

  • ATC has not waived reporting requirements


Once ATC establishes radar contact and advises you of it, compulsory position reporting is typically suspended unless requested again.


What to Include in a Compulsory Position Report

A standard IFR position report includes:

  • Aircraft identification

  • Position (fix or reporting point)

  • Time over the fix

  • Altitude or flight level

  • Next fix and estimated time

  • Following fix (optional unless requested)


Example:

  • “Center, N123AB over JENNA at 1420, seven thousand, estimating LIT at 1450.”


Non-Compulsory Reporting Points

Definition

A non-compulsory reporting point is a location where a position report is not required unless specifically requested by ATC.


These points provide flexibility while still offering useful navigation references.


How Non-Compulsory Reporting Points Are Identified

On IFR charts, non-compulsory reporting points are depicted as:

  • Open (hollow) triangles


They indicate fixes that may be useful for navigation or situational awareness but do not require routine reporting.


When Reports May Be Requested

ATC may request reports at non-compulsory points when:

  • Radar coverage is intermittent

  • Traffic complexity increases

  • An aircraft deviates from its clearance

  • Timing accuracy becomes important

  • During abnormal or emergency situations


If ATC asks for reports at these points, they become mandatory for that flight.


Radar Contact and Reporting Requirements

One of the most important phrases in IFR communications is:

  • “Radar contact.”


When ATC advises you that radar contact has been established:

  • Position reporting at compulsory points is normally no longer required

  • ATC assumes responsibility for tracking your position

  • You should still report:

    • Altitude deviations

    • Route deviations

    • Missed approaches

    • Leaving assigned altitudes


If radar contact is later lost, ATC may reinstate reporting requirements.


Reporting Points and RNAV / GPS Operations

With GPS and RNAV navigation:

  • Many reporting points are now database waypoints

  • Position awareness is improved

  • However, reporting requirements still apply


Automation does not eliminate the need to:

  • Recognize compulsory vs non-compulsory points

  • Make reports when required

  • Understand chart symbology


For checkrides and lost-communications scenarios, pilots are still expected to understand traditional reporting concepts.


Common Pilot Mistakes

  • Failing to report at compulsory points in non-radar airspace

  • Assuming radar contact without hearing it stated

  • Confusing open and solid triangle symbols

  • Over-reporting unnecessary positions in busy airspace

  • Forgetting to resume reporting after radar service termination


Practical IFR Tips

  • Brief reporting points during preflight planning

  • Note solid vs open triangle symbols on charts

  • Listen carefully for “radar contact” or “radar service terminated”

  • When in doubt, ask ATC if reports are required

  • Keep position reports concise and standardized


Key Takeaways

  • Compulsory reporting points require position reports unless waived

  • Non-compulsory reporting points require reports only when requested

  • Solid triangles = compulsory

  • Open triangles = non-compulsory

  • Radar contact usually suspends routine reporting

  • Understanding reporting points is essential for IFR compliance and safety


Final Thoughts

While modern radar and GPS systems have reduced the frequency of position reporting, compulsory and non-compulsory reporting points remain a core IFR concept. They form the backbone of procedural control and are especially critical in non-radar environments, during abnormal situations, and on checkrides.


In instrument flying, knowing when to speak up is just as important as knowing where you are.



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