Which phraseology would you use to indicate a pilot must be established on the final approach with the proper alignment and altitude?

• A. The pilot must report established on final approach
• B. The pilot must report on the final approach fix
• C. The pilot must report established on the final approach with alignment
• D. The pilot must confirm they are established on the final approach and within required alignment/altitude

Answer: (D)

The important idea is to verify both that the aircraft is on the final approach and that it’s within the published limits for alignment and altitude. Saying to confirm that status makes the pilot explicitly state two things at once: they are established on the final approach, and they meet the required alignment and altitude.

This is why the best wording asks the pilot to confirm these conditions. It clearly requires the pilot to verify both establishment and the precise tolerances for alignment and altitude, leaving no ambiguity. The other phrasings either omit the altitude/alignment requirement, point to the wrong phase, or don’t prompt the pilot to confirm all the necessary conditions.