Definition
In the communication process, the person who takes in a message from a sender and interprets it. The receiver's understanding is shaped by their background, experience, knowledge of the subject, and current attention level, so the message received is not always identical to the message sent.
Plain English
The person on the listening end of a communication. They hear or read what the sender says and try to make sense of it.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of instructor-student communication, cockpit communication, and radio communication.
Derivation
From the Latin 'recipere', meaning 'to take back' or 'to take in'. A receiver is simply the one who takes in what is sent — useful here because it reminds us that receiving is an active act of taking in, not just passively hearing.
Why Pilots Care
An instructor who forgets that the student is the receiver may deliver technically correct information that the student doesn't actually absorb. Effective teaching depends on shaping the message to fit the receiver, not just transmitting facts.
Intuition Check
Do not assume receiver means only a radio unit. In this chapter, the receiver is usually the person receiving and interpreting the message.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor adjusted her explanation when she realized the receiver — her student — had no prior exposure to weight and balance calculations.
Example Sentence 2
Good communication depends on the receiver confirming they understood the clearance.