Is ATC responsible if they fail to correct a wrong readback?

• A. The pilot is still responsible
• B. ATC is always responsible
• C. It depends on the situation
• D. No — the controller bears responsibility

Answer: (D)

In ATC communications, both parties play a part in ensuring the clearance is understood, but the controller has the primary duty to ensure readbacks are correct and to correct any wrong readback. If a readback is incorrect and the controller does not intervene to fix it, the controller bears responsibility for the potential consequences of that miscommunication. The pilot is expected to read back clearly and accurately, but the responsibility for verifying the accuracy of the issued clearance rests with the controller who issued it and oversees its correctness. That’s why this option—emphasizing the controller’s accountability in the absence of a correction—best fits the scenario. The other options imply sole or unconditional responsibility on the pilot, imply ATC is always responsible regardless of actions, or suggest it depends on circumstances, which do not align with the standard procedure that the controller must catch and rectify incorrect readbacks.