Roger, Wilco & Report
These three are constantly confused. “Roger” only means received — use “Wilco” when you’ll act on an instruction, and answer a “report” request when you actually reach the point.
Roger
“I have received all of your last transmission.”
Acknowledges information only. It does NOT mean you will comply, it is never used where a readback is required, and it is never the answer to a question — use “Affirm” or “Negative” for that.
Wilco
“Will comply” — I understand your message and will comply with it.
Use to acknowledge an instruction you will act on, e.g. after “report final” → “Wilco, G-ABCD.”
Report …
An instruction to tell the controller when you reach a point or condition, e.g. “report final”, “report field in sight”, “report downwind”.
Acknowledge it now — “Wilco, G-ABCD” (or read back the report point) — then actually make the report when you get there.
Standard words & phrases
The standard words have precise meanings — using the right one (and not a casual substitute) is what keeps RT brief and unambiguous.
Affirm
Yes / that is correct.
Negative
No / not correct / permission not granted / not able.
Standby
Wait and I will call you. It is not an approval or a clearance.
Roger
I have received all of your last transmission. It does NOT mean “yes” and does NOT mean you will comply.
Wilco
“Will comply” — I understand your message and will comply with it.
Say again
Repeat all, or the following part, of your last transmission.
I say again
I am repeating my own transmission for clarity or emphasis.
Correction
An error has been made; the correct version is…
Disregard
Consider that transmission as not sent.
Acknowledge
Let me know you have received and understood this message.
Read back
Repeat all, or the specified part, of this message back to me exactly as received.
Unable
I cannot comply with your request or instruction (usually followed by the reason).
Approved
Permission for the proposed action is granted.
Over
My transmission is ended and I expect a reply (often omitted on VHF where it's obvious).
Out
My transmission is ended and no reply is expected (rarely needed on VHF).