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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
An ATC INSTRUCTION is mandatory ('turn right heading 270') — 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

An ATC INSTRUCTION is mandatory ('turn right heading 270') — 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 →

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Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question. Reviewed by a panel of three CFIs + AI review.