After issuing an instruction to a pilot, what should you do?

• A. Confirm that the pilot has understood the clearance and monitor for compliance.
• B. Repeat the instruction exactly a second time.
• C. Wait for the next instruction from supervisor.
• D. Record the communication event in your log.

Answer: (A)

Verifying understanding and monitoring for compliance is essential after issuing an instruction. You ensure the pilot has clearly understood by obtaining a readback or verbal acknowledgment, which confirms the directive is known. Then you watch the aircraft to verify it’s executing exactly what was cleared—altitude, heading, speed, route, etc.—and you stay ready to address any deviation immediately. If the readback is incomplete or missing, you request clarification to prevent miscommunication from leading to an unsafe action. Repeating the instruction exactly isn’t necessary and can clutter the channel, waiting for a supervisor would delay safety-critical actions, and while logging is important, it doesn’t replace the real-time verification and monitoring you perform with the aircraft.