When must a pilot report to ATC on initial contact?

When making initial contact with ATC, it is crucial for a pilot to report when entering controlled airspace or when being handed off from one ATC frequency to another. This requirement ensures that air traffic controllers are aware of the aircraft's position and intentions, which is essential for maintaining flight safety and managing traffic within controlled airspace.

During initial contact, pilots provide their position, altitude, the type of flight operation they are conducting (e.g., VFR or IFR), and any requests for services, such as air traffic advisories. This communication establishes a connection with air traffic control, allowing for real-time updates and instructions necessary for safe navigation and compliance with airspace regulations.

Other scenarios, such as upon takeoff or before landing at a towered airport, do involve necessary communications with ATC but are specific to those phases of flight rather than being a general requirement for initial contact. Similarly, while requesting a flight plan involves communication with ATC, it is not specifically tied to the context of initial contact in the same way as entering controlled airspace or transitioning between frequencies.