What is required when deviating from an ATC clearance?

Notifying ATC of the action taken as soon as possible is crucial when deviating from an ATC clearance. This ensures that air traffic control is aware of the change in your flight path or intentions, allowing them to manage air traffic effectively and ensure the safety of all aircraft in the area. Quick communication helps maintain situational awareness, enables ATC to provide any necessary guidance, and prevents potential conflicts with other flights.

Although filing a report after the flight and documenting the deviation might be important for record-keeping and analysis, the immediate priority is to communicate with ATC. Considering it a minor event without informing ATC could lead to mismanagement of air traffic and compromise safety, which is why notifying them promptly is essential. Being proactive in communication helps maintain the integrity of air traffic operations.