Definition
A radio phrase used by ATC or another station meaning 'proceed with your message.' It is not an authorization to move, taxi, take off, or continue with any flight maneuver.
Plain English
When someone on the radio says 'go ahead,' they are telling you to say what you wanted to say. They are not telling you to move the airplane.
Context Anchor
Heard during radio calls with air traffic control or another aviation radio station when they are ready to listen to your transmission.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents overlapping transmissions and ensures messages are exchanged clearly and in sequence during busy operations.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Go Ahead” as permission to physically go somewhere. In radio use, it only means “go ahead and speak.”
Example Sentence 1
After the pilot called 'Tower, Cessna 12345, request,' the controller replied, 'Cessna 12345, go ahead.'
Example Sentence 2
After hearing 'Go Ahead' from center, the pilot read back the amended clearance.