Compulsory reporting points are required for pilots when they are:

Compulsory reporting points are specific locations in the airspace where pilots must communicate their position to air traffic control. This requirement is particularly important when pilots are not in radar contact. In such cases, ATC relies on pilots to report their position so that air traffic controllers can maintain situational awareness and ensure safety, as the controllers cannot see the aircraft on their radar screens.

When flying in controlled airspace or under radar coverage, the need for compulsory reporting points is lessened, as controllers can track the aircraft’s movements directly. In visual flight rules (VFR) operations, pilots are primarily responsible for maintaining their own separation while flying outside of controlled airspace unless directed otherwise. Although planning a descent involves communicating intent, it does not inherently trigger the need for reporting at compulsory points. Therefore, the requirement aligns directly with being outside of radar contact, making it essential for maintaining safety and flight management in the absence of direct ATC tracking.