When should you request a pilot to confirm the assigned altitude?

• A. Only after initial contact
• B. When the pilot requests altitude change
• C. At the time of takeoff
• D. On initial contact and when position reports are received

Answer: (D)

The important idea is to keep assigned altitudes clear and verified to prevent altitude conflicts. You should request the pilot to confirm the assigned altitude both when you establish initial contact and you issue the clearance, and again when you receive position reports along the route. This double-check helps catch miscommunications or altitude deviations early and maintains proper separation as traffic changes. Waiting only until takeoff would miss verification after start, and waiting only when a change is requested ignores routine confirmation that the altitude is being followed. So the best practice is to verify on initial contact and with position reports.