Definition
Speech that becomes unintelligible because surrounding background noise is loud enough to cover, or 'mask,' the sound of the voice. In aviation, it most often refers to cockpit or radio communications being drowned out by engine, propeller, slipstream, or cabin noise.
Plain English
Talking that you can't understand because other noise is so loud it covers up the voice.
Context Anchor
Used in cockpit communication, radio communication, intercom use, and aviation hearing discussions.
Derivation
From 'mask,' meaning to cover or hide. The voice isn't gone -- it's just hidden behind the noise, the way a mask hides a face.
Why Pilots Care
Unrecognized masked speech can cause missed clearances and requires immediate requests for repeats to maintain safety.
Intuition Check
Masked does not mean secret, coded, or intentionally hidden here. It means normal speech is being covered up by noise.
Example Sentence 1
The student's first transmission was masked by engine noise, so the controller asked him to say again.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot requested a repeat after realizing the reply had become masked speech.