Okuzeka
Aviation vocabulary · Air Traffic Control & Radiotelephony

Wilco

Meaning in aviation, with examples

/ˈwɪlkoʊ/phraseCore term

In aviation, wilco means: A radio word, short for 'will comply', meaning 'I have understood your message and I will do what you ask'.

In Turkish: anlaşıldı, uygulanacak, yerine getirilecek

How it is used

Used for instructions that do not need a full readback, such as 'report passing flight level 100' or 'call me when ready'. Clearances with levels, headings or runways still need a full readback.

Example sentences

  1. Controller: 'Report established on the localiser.' Pilot: 'Wilco, Fastair 345.'

  2. Many students say 'roger wilco', but wilco alone is enough.

Common collocations

  • wilco, Fastair 345
  • wilco, will report
  • reply with wilco
  • rogerA 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.
  • 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

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: