What should you do if a pilot misreads a clearance and reads back incorrectly?

• A. Ignore the misread and proceed
• B. Clear the aircraft for takeoff instead
• C. Repeat the clearance clearly and obtain a correct read-back
• D. Assume the pilot understood and move on

Answer: (C)

When a clearance is misread, the safety risk comes from not having a verified, shared understanding of what was issued. The right move is to clearly repeat the clearance and require a correct read-back. This guarantees both sides are aligned on the exact instructions—altitude, heading, speed, or any other parameter—and it lets you catch and correct any part that was heard or remembered incorrectly. Proceeding without confirmation or assuming understanding can lead to wrong actions and potential conflicts. So you restate the clearance clearly and obtain a proper read-back before continuing.