Under what circumstances must a position report over the last reporting point in the transferring facility’s area be forwarded?

The requirement to forward a position report over the last reporting point in the transferring facility’s area when the time differs by more than 3 minutes from the estimate given is based on the need for accurate and timely information exchange between controllers. This is important to ensure that the receiving controller has the most current information regarding the aircraft's position and progress. If there is a significant time difference, it may indicate potential deviations from the expected route or speed that could affect safety and separation from other aircraft.

In air traffic control, maintaining an accurate understanding of an aircraft's location is critical, especially in non-radar environments where controllers rely on position reports to manage traffic effectively. Therefore, when a pilot’s reported position is significantly different from what was previously estimated, it is necessary to communicate this update to ensure all parties have the same situational awareness.

The other options lack the requirements or circumstances that would necessitate a position report to be forwarded. For example, a report in the case of distress or only if requested by the pilot might indicate a need for communication but do not have the same regulatory requirement. Similarly, forwarding a report when asked by the receiving controller, while important, does not specifically relate to the critical need for accuracy when time estimates differ significantly.