Critical Readback Requirements for Landing

The landing clearance is one of the most critical instructions you receive. ATC must hear you repeat back the runway number to confirm there is no misunderstanding. The minimum readback is the runway number. However, if ATC provides wind information, runway condition, or other safety-critical data, you should read that back as well.
Mandatory Readbacks:
  • Runway number (always)
  • Special runway conditions (wet, snow, crosswind limitation)
  • Hold short instruction (if issued before landing)
Optional but Advisable:
  • Wind information
  • Traffic information (if instructed to avoid specific aircraft)

Landing Clearance with Multiple Elements

Frankfurt Tower · D-EFGH

PILOT: Frankfurt Tower, D-EFGH, final runway 07 right.
ATC D-EFGH, runway 07 right CLEARED to land, wind zero-six-five degrees twelve knots, runway contaminated with ice, exercise caution.
PILOT: Runway 07 right CLEARED to land, wind zero-six-five twelve, runway contaminated ice, D-EFGH.
By reading back the contamination warning, you confirm that you understand the hazard and will adjust your landing technique accordingly.