Why do pilots say 'Roger'?

Answer 1

'Roger' is the old-style phonetic alphabet (now pronounced 'Romeo') for the letter R which was radio shorthand (especially in Morse code) for 'message received and understood'.

Answer 2

Pilots today use the code word "Roger" to say that a message has been received and understood.

Answer 3

Roger also means "copy", "heard you" on the radio in the military and civilian aviation. This usage comes from the letter "R" of "received" which in the old phonetic alphabet was called "roger" (now called Romeo) in radio alphabets (such as the Joint Army/Navy Phonetic Alphabet). It is commonly followed by the word "that" to form the common aviation phrase "Roger That". It is also often shortened in writing to "rgr".

It in fact does not mean "I will comply" as many think, that distinction goes to the phrase "wilco" which is formed from the phrase "will comply".

Answer 4

Pilots today use the code word "Roger" to say that a message has been received and understood.

"Roger's" origins are actually pretty simple. According to the mammoth ham radio resource AC6V's Amateur Radio Reference Guide, the letter "R" has been used since the early days of Morse Code to indicate that a message has been "received." The voice code equivalent for "R" is "Roger."

You may have also heard the phrase "Roger Wilco" in various military-themed movies. "Wilco" is radio slang for "Will Comply." (It's also a great rock band). For added clarification, here are a few definitions of commonly heard radio terms:

* over - I have finished my transmission and am turning the channel over to you.
* clear - I have finished my transmission and am standing by on this channel.
* out - I have finished my transmission and am closing this channel.

Finally, for a great read on the short-lived CB-radio fad of the '70s, we refer you to freelance writer and game designer Allen Varney. Over and out.

Answer 5

Roger is a contraction to save time on radio frequencies. It means "I have received and understood your transmission." Contractions such as Roger, Wilco, etc. are used to reduce frequency congestion. It is part of standard radio phraseology in aviation use, as per the FAA Airman's Information Manual, and the Air Traffic Controller's 7110.65 (ATC operation manual).

BTW, "Roger" just means you have heard and understood. "Wilco" is a contraction for "Will Comply." Over means "over to you" on the frequency. "Out" means that you have ended your transmission and do not expect a reply. "Roger that" is, actually, not aviation slang, but is from Army use (again, a bit of "service slang" typically used in conversation grown out of extensive radio usage of "Roger" in Army communications) - you will rarely hear that phrase on the air as part of aviation communications. Being a former Army officer, I do use it in conversation on the ground, but never in the airplane. Occaisonally, one does hear radio "slang" on aircraft frequencies (usually Unicom or CTAF freqs), but use of such slang generally marks that person as a true amateur in aviation circles. Using it in a busy ATC environment will usually result in poor service to that pilot, or can even result in ATC refusing service, if he is not on an IFR flight plan - remember, controllers are human, and, if they're busy, they don't have time to try to figure out what you mean when using non-standard phraseology, and they cant afford the "frequency congestion" of a lot of extraneous talking by one pilot while trying to communicate with numerous other aircraft.

Answer 6

Roger is the most popular first name in aviation, Roger's brother is called Wilco.

Answer 7

Its their Co-Pilots name..didn't you know that.?

Over and out. 10- 4.

Answer 8

Because it's funny. Roger. heheheheh

Answer 9

"ROGER" is just a shorter way to say 'understood' or 'i got ya' or maybe even 'im finished talkin' its ur turn now'

Answer 10

Thats a damn good question!