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Aviation vocabulary · Air Traffic Control & Radiotelephony

Roger

Meaning in aviation, with examples

/ˈrɑːdʒər/phraseCore term

In aviation, roger means: A radio word meaning 'I have received all of your last message'. It confirms that you heard something; it does not mean yes, and it does not mean you will do it.

In Turkish: anlaşıldı, mesaj alındı

How it is used

Used for information that needs no action, such as traffic or weather. It is not enough for a clearance: clearances and instructions must be read back. A question that needs 'affirm' or 'negative' is never answered with 'roger'.

Example sentences

  1. Controller: 'Expect a short delay for departure.' Pilot: 'Roger, Fastair 345.'

  2. Saying roger to a clearance is not a readback; you have to repeat the key parts.

Common collocations

  • roger, standing by
  • roger, copied
  • roger that (informal)
  • wilcoA radio word, short for 'will comply', meaning 'I have understood your message and I will do what you ask'.
  • affirmThe standard radio word for 'yes' in ICAO phraseology, used to answer a question or confirm information. The opposite is 'negative'.
  • readbackRepeating an ATC clearance or instruction back to the controller, so that the controller can confirm it was heard and understood correctly.
  • say againThe standard radio phrase for asking someone to repeat all or part of their last message.

More terms: Air Traffic Control & Radiotelephony

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