What does 'report established' mean on approach?

What does 'report established' mean on approach?

• A. The pilot must report when established on the final approach and within required alignment/altitude
• B. The pilot must report reaching the missed approach point
• C. The pilot must confirm they are established on the final approach and within required alignment/altitude
• D. The pilot must report the runway in sight

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that on an instrument approach, “report established” is a signal from the pilot to ATC that the aircraft is on the final approach course, in the proper alignment with the runway centerline, and at the required altitude—i.e., the aircraft is in a stable, configured state for the final approach. Saying the pilot must confirm they are established captures the action of notifying ATC that those criteria are met, so ATC knows you’re ready to continue the approach. This is why the best choice describes the pilot as confirming they are established on the final approach and within the required alignment and altitude. The other options don’t fit because they refer to different points or conditions (reporting the missed approach point, or reporting runway sight) or mix up the wording slightly; the essence of “report established” is signaling to ATC that you are established on the final approach with the required lateral and vertical tolerances.

The main idea is that on an instrument approach, “report established” is a signal from the pilot to ATC that the aircraft is on the final approach course, in the proper alignment with the runway centerline, and at the required altitude—i.e., the aircraft is in a stable, configured state for the final approach. Saying the pilot must confirm they are established captures the action of notifying ATC that those criteria are met, so ATC knows you’re ready to continue the approach. This is why the best choice describes the pilot as confirming they are established on the final approach and within the required alignment and altitude. The other options don’t fit because they refer to different points or conditions (reporting the missed approach point, or reporting runway sight) or mix up the wording slightly; the essence of “report established” is signaling to ATC that you are established on the final approach with the required lateral and vertical tolerances.