When replying to an ATC instruction, which of the following is appropriate: 'Roger,' 'Wilco,' or both?

• A. Roger
• B. Wilco
• C. Use 'Roger' to acknowledge receipt and 'Wilco' to indicate you will comply.
• D. Ignore both and call for clarification

Answer: (C)

Understanding how ATC acknowledgments work is the key. Roger means you heard and understood the instruction. Wilco means you will comply with the instruction. So, when you’ve received an instruction and you intend to follow it, you say Wilco to show you’ll comply. If you’ve heard the instruction but aren’t committing to action (perhaps you need clarification or can’t comply as stated), you would use Roger to acknowledge receipt without promising action. The best approach is to use Roger to acknowledge receipt and Wilco to indicate you will comply, choosing the one that matches what you plan to do.