When should you inform the aircraft of its position?

Informing the aircraft of its position whenever radar contact is established is essential for maintaining situational awareness and safety in aviation. When radar contact is confirmed, the controller has reliable data about the aircraft's location, speed, and trajectory. Communicating this information helps pilots make informed decisions regarding navigation, altitude adjustments, and other operational aspects.

By providing position information promptly, controllers enhance the aircraft's situational awareness, allowing the flight crew to remain focused on their tasks without solely relying on their navigation systems. This practice establishes a standard communication procedure and reinforces the integration of radar data into flight operations, contributing to overall aviation safety.

The emphasis on providing position data during radar contact instead of only during emergencies, when an aircraft requests it, or when nearing an airspace limit, highlights the proactive role air traffic control plays in guiding aircraft effectively and efficiently throughout their flight. This continuous sharing of positional information is fundamental to air traffic management and helps prevent potential conflicts with other aircraft and airspace boundaries.