JO 7110.65 5-2-17

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.

The pilot states the assigned altitude, or

You assign a new altitude to a climbing or a descending aircraft, or

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.