pointSixtyFive

5-2-17

Altitude Confirmation- Non-Mode C

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Request a pilot to confirm assigned altitude on initial contact unless:
Note

For the purpose of this paragraph, “initial contact” means a pilot's first radio contact with each sector/position.
1. The pilot states the assigned altitude, or
2. You assign a new altitude to a climbing or a descending aircraft, or
3. TERMINAL. The aircraft was transferred to you from another sector/position within your facility (intrafacility).
  Phraseology
  
  (In level flight situations),VERIFY AT (altitude/flight level).
  (In climbing/descending situations),VERIFY ASSIGNED ALTITUDE/FLIGHT LEVEL (altitude/flight level).
USA. Reconfirm all pilot altitude read backs.
Phraseology

(If the altitude read back is correct),
AFFIRMATIVE (altitude).
(If the altitude read back is not correct),
NEGATIVE. CLIMB/DESCEND AND MAINTAIN (altitude),
or
NEGATIVE. MAINTAIN (altitude).

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-3-3, Beacon/ADS-B Identification Methods.