Definition
A standard radio phrase used in two ways. As a request: 'Communication is difficult. Please say every phrase twice.' As information: 'Since communications are difficult, every phrase in this message will be spoken twice.'
Plain English
A way of telling the other party on the radio that signals are poor, so each phrase should be said twice to make sure it is heard correctly. It can be a request to the other station, or a heads-up that the speaker is about to do it themselves.
Context Anchor
Used on aviation radios when reception is weak, noisy, broken, or otherwise hard to understand.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures important instructions reach the pilot without missing details that affect safety.
Intuition Check
Do not treat “Words Twice” as casual English meaning “say that again.” In aviation radio use, it specifically means each phrase should be spoken two times because communication is difficult.
Example Sentence 1
Center, Cessna Three Four Alpha, your last transmission was broken. Words twice, please.
Example Sentence 2
Center replied with the clearance using words twice so the student pilot could copy it correctly.