When we start our aviation journey, we quickly learn about the term “Roger.” It’s a way to say we’ve heard and understood a message, without agreeing to anything or giving permission. Although we learn it early on, “Roger” often disappears from our vocabulary as we gain more flying experience, and we rarely hear Air Traffic Control (ATC) use it.
But what happens when we’re in a tricky situation on the ground and ATC responds with a simple “Roger” to our requests? What does that really mean? Let’s look at a recent incident to help us understand this better.
A Cessna 210 was following ATC instructions to taxi via Taxiway Juliette and cross Runway 1/19 when suddenly, one of its tires blew out. The pilot told ATC about the problem and asked if they could get out to check the damaged wheel. The Tower said yes and asked the pilot to let them know if they needed any help. At the same time, a Cessna 172 radioed in, saying they were approaching and wanted to do full stop landings or touch-and-go’s on Runway 1. The Tower quickly agreed to the C-172’s request. (Can you see how this might lead to a dangerous situation on the runway?)
The C-210 pilot then came back on the radio and said there was a problem with the wheel. When the Tower asked what the pilot wanted to do, they said moving the plane might cause more damage and asked for permission to go to a Fixed Base Operator (FBO). (To get to the FBO from where the C-210 was, they’d have to cross a runway.) The Tower simply replied, “Roger.” The pilot said, “Thank you very much.”
Later, the Tower noticed two people walking towards the runway on foot. They tried to contact the C-210 pilot several times but got no answer. When they saw the unauthorized runway crossing, they told the incoming C-172 to go around and join right traffic for Runway 1. Eventually, they changed the landing clearance to Runway 5.
It seems that in the stressful situation caused by the tire blowout, the C-210 pilot asked for permission to go to the FBO and expected a clear “Yes” or “No” from the Tower. When they heard just “Roger” in response, they momentarily forgot the basic lesson that “Roger” only means “I heard you,” not “You can do that” – and decided to walk across the runway!
Fortunately, the C-172 pilot did a great job with the go-around and landed safely on the other runway.
For the best information on how to communicate properly in aviation, you should check out the Aeronautical Information Manual. It’s a good idea to review the communication rules in the AIM: FAA AIM. Most importantly, remember your basic training – “Roger” just means “I heard you” and doesn’t give you permission to do anything.
Always remember that you need clear permission from ATC before crossing any runway, whether you’re in an aircraft, a vehicle, or on foot.
Have a safe and enjoyable Summer of Flying!
