When making a radio call to air traffic control, what are the three main components required?

The correct answer includes the essential components for effective communication with air traffic control, which are the aircraft call sign, location, and intention.

The aircraft call sign uniquely identifies your aircraft and is critical for ATC to know which aircraft is communicating with them. The location provides ATC with context about where the aircraft is operating or planning to operate within the airspace. Lastly, stating your intention informs ATC of your planned flight operations, whether you’re requesting a change in altitude, looking for takeoff clearance, or planning a landing. This clarity helps ATC manage traffic effectively and ensures safety in the airspace.

The other options lack one or more critical components for a complete and effective radio call. For instance, mentioning weather conditions may be relevant to flight operations, but it is not required for a basic communication exchange with ATC. Similarly, flight number, altitude, or aircraft type might be relevant in certain contexts but are not among the three core elements needed for initial contact or reporting your intentions.