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What is the difference between 'ATC instruction' and 'ATC advisory'?

Choices

There is no difference.
Instructions are binding, advisories aren't.
✓ An INSTRUCTION is mandatory ('turn right heading 270').correct
the pilot must comply or use 'unable.' An ADVISORY is informational ('traffic 12 o'clock, two miles, opposite direction') — the pilot is expected to acknowledge and use the info but is not bound by it. ATC instruction = mandatory action (heading, altitude, frequency, hold short). Comply unless unsafe; if unable say 'unable.' ATC advisory = informational (traffic call, weather, equipment outages). The pilot is responsible for the response (typically acknowledge and act if needed). Distinction matters because non-compliance with instruction = potential 91.123 violation.
An advisory is mandatory; an instruction is optional.
Reversed.
Only IFR pilots receive instructions.
VFR pilots receive instructions in towered airspace.

Why

the pilot must comply or use 'unable.' An ADVISORY is informational ('traffic 12 o'clock, two miles, opposite direction') — the pilot is expected to acknowledge and use the info but is not bound by it. ATC instruction = mandatory action (heading, altitude, frequency, hold short). Comply unless unsafe; if unable say 'unable.' ATC advisory = informational (traffic call, weather, equipment outages). The pilot is responsible for the response (typically acknowledge and act if needed). Distinction matters because non-compliance with instruction = potential 91.123 violation.

FAA source: AIM 4-4-1, Pilot/Controller Roles and Responsibilities; 14 CFR §91.123browse the reference library →

Covered in Supplemental · III — Airport & Seaplane Base Operations — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.