Definition
A standard radiotelephony phrase used to request that the previous transmission be repeated. It may be used alone to ask for the entire transmission to be repeated, or combined with a specific element (e.g., 'Say again altitude') to request only the part that was missed or unclear.
Plain English
A request over the radio for the other person to repeat what they just said, either all of it or a specific part.
Context Anchor
Used during radio communication with air traffic control, another aircraft, or a ground station when any part of a message is unclear.
Derivation
This phrase comes from ordinary English, but aviation uses it as a standard radio request. The important point is that it asks for the words to be spoken again, not for a new explanation.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate repetition prevents misheard clearances or instructions that could compromise flight safety.
Intuition Check
Do not treat “Say Again” as casual filler or as a request for a longer explanation. It means the message, or the named part of the message, needs to be spoken again.
Example Sentence 1
Cessna 4-2-Charlie, say again altitude.
Example Sentence 2
After a garbled transmission the controller replied, 'Say again your position.'