What might a pilot be instructed to do after receiving an "expedite" command?

When a pilot receives an "expedite" command, it indicates that there is an urgent need to clear airspace quickly, often due to traffic management or safety concerns. This instruction typically means that the pilot should increase their speed to comply with air traffic control directives effectively.

The term "expedite" is used in aviation to prompt a faster response, whether for climbing, descending, or en route maneuvering. In this context, increasing speed can help the aircraft move through a particular airspace and prevent potential conflicts with other aircraft, thus maintaining safety and efficiency in busy air traffic conditions.

In contrast, other actions such as proceeding to the nearest maintenance facility or requesting a change in flight route would not align with the immediacy intended by the "expedite" command. Announcing current altitude, while a good practice in communication, does not address the urgent need for action that "expedite" implies.