Definition
A standard radio reply meaning the pilot has received the controller's message, understands it, and will comply with it.
Plain English
Got it, understood, and I'll do it.
Context Anchor
Used in radio communication with air traffic control, a tower, or another aviation station when the pilot is confirming that an instruction will be followed.
Derivation
Short for 'will comply.' Came from military radio procedure where brevity saved time and reduced misheard transmissions, and carried over into civil aviation.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms to the controller that the instruction is understood and will be executed, reducing the chance of miscommunication.
Intuition Check
Wilco does not just mean “I heard you.” It means “I heard you, understood you, and will do it.”
Example Sentence 1
After the controller said, 'N123AB, descend and maintain 5,000,' the pilot replied, 'Descend and maintain 5,000, Wilco, N123AB.'
Example Sentence 2
After receiving taxi instructions to runway two-seven, the pilot keyed the mic and said 'Wilco.'