If you mishear an instruction, what is the correct response?

• A. Proceed with the misheard instruction and hope for the best
• B. Immediately notify a supervisor
• C. Say "Say again" or "Correction" and transmit the corrected instruction
• D. Drop the transmission and retry later

Answer: (C)

When radio transmissions are unclear, the safest and most effective move is to request clarification and then send the corrected instruction. Saying “Say again” or “Correction” immediately flags the ambiguity, prompts the controller to repeat or fix the instruction, and lets you transmit the corrected command. This prevents acting on a misheard instruction and keeps communication accurate and efficient with air traffic control. Waiting or acting on a mishearing can lead to unsafe maneuvers, while dropping the transmission and retrying later only creates confusion and delays. Escalating to a supervisor isn’t the immediate step for a routine mishearing.