If ATC provides conflicting instructions, what is the recommended action?

• A. Ignore the conflict and proceed.
• B. Seek clarification, document, and follow higher-priority directive.
• C. Request a new clearance.
• D. Proceed with the original instruction.

Answer: (B)

When ATC instructions conflict, the safest and most effective approach is to pause, ask for clarification, document the exchange, and then follow the instruction that has the higher priority for safety. Clarification avoids guessing or accepting an ambiguous clearance, which could put you in a risky position with other traffic or airspace constraints. By requesting clarification, you establish a clear, unambiguous clearance in the moment and create a record of what was issued and how you resolved the discrepancy. After you have clear guidance, you then comply with the instruction that takes precedence—usually the directive designed to maintain safe separation and traffic management. This approach keeps you connected with ATC authority, reduces risk, and provides a traceable path of decisions. Ignoring the conflict or simply proceeding with the original instruction can lead to unsafe situations, and while requesting a new clearance can be part of the process, the immediate step should be to obtain clarification and then follow the higher-priority directive.