In case of a misheard instruction, what is the correct procedure?

• A. Say "Say again" or "Correction" and transmit the corrected instruction.
• B. Ignore and proceed with the last instruction.
• C. Switch to a different frequency to request clarification.
• D. Request a new clearance from another facility.

Answer: (A)

When you mishear an instruction, the priority is to confirm the exact instruction before acting. Use the standard radiotelephony phrases “Say again” or “Correction” and then transmit the corrected instruction. This pause prevents acting on a misinterpreted command and ensures you and the controller are on the same page about any details like instructions, altitudes, or headings. Ignoring the instruction or proceeding with the last one risks unsafe actions. Switching to another frequency or asking a different facility for a new clearance isn’t the proper way to resolve a misheard message and can create coordination problems. So the best approach is to request repetition or correction and then send the corrected instruction.