Part 4. ATC clearances and instructions

Definitions (ICAO) Air traffic control clearance. Authorization for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an air traffic control unit. Note 1.— For convenience, the term “air traffic control clearance” is frequently abbreviated to “clearance” when used in appropriate contexts. Air traffic control instruction. Directives issued by air traffic control for the purpose of requiring a pilot to take a specific action.

Scope The issuance of air traffic control clearances by air traffic control units constitutes authority for an aircraft to proceed only in so far as known air traffic is concerned. Clearances are based solely on expediting and separating air traffic and do not constitute authority to violate any applicable regulations for promoting the safety of flight operations or any other purpose.

Clearances are based on known traffic conditions which affect safety in aircraft operation. Such traffic conditions include not only aircraft in the air and on the manoeuvring area over which control is being exercised, but also any vehicular traffic or other obstructions not permanently installed on the manoeuvring area in use. If an air traffic control clearance is not suitable to the pilot-in-command of an aircraft, he may request and, if applicable, obtain an amended clearance.

Clearance issued by controllers relate to traffic and aerodrome conditions only and do not relieve a pilot of any responsibility whatsoever in connection with a possible violation of applicable rules and regulations.

Issuance Air traffic control units shall issue such air traffic control clearances as are necessary to meet the objectives of collision prevention and the expedition and maintenance of an orderly flow of air traffic.

Expediting Aircraft flying through a terminal control area shall, where possible, be cleared by the most direct route from the entry to the exit point of the terminal control area. Similarly, aircraft arriving and/or departing within a terminal control area shall, where possible, be cleared by the most direct route from the point of entry to the aerodrome of landing or from the aerodrome of departure to the point of exit

Obtaining An air traffic control clearance shall be obtained prior to operating a controlled flight, or a portion of a flight as a controlled flight. Such clearance shall be requested through the submission of a flight plan to an air traffic control unit. Note 1.- A flight plan may cover only part of a flight, as necessary, to describe that portion of the flight or those manoeuvres which are subject to air traffic control. A clearance may cover part of a current flight plan, as indicated in a clearance limit or by reference to specific manoeuvres such as taxiing, landing, or taking off.

Priority Note 2.- If an air traffic control clearance is not satisfactory to a pilot-in-command of an aircraft, the pilot-in-command any request and, if practicable, will be issued an amended clearance Whenever an aircraft has requested a clearance involving priority, a report explaining the necessity for such priority shall be submitted, if requested by the appropriate air traffic control unit.

Re-Clearance in Flight If prior to departure it is anticipated that depending on fuel endurance and subject to re-clearance in flight, a decision may be taken to proceed to a revised destination aerodrome, the appropriate air traffic control units shall be so notified by the insertion in the flight plan of information concerning the revised route (where known) and the revised destination. Note.- the intent of this provision is to facilitate a re-clearance to a revised destination, normally beyond the filed destination aerodrome

Contents of clearances An air traffic control clearance shall indicate: a aircraft identification as shown in the flight plan b clearance limit c route of flight d level(s) of flight for the entire route or part thereof and changes of levels if required; e any necessary instructions or information on other matters such as approach or departure manoeuvres, communications and the time of expiry of the clearance.

Departure Clearance Examples IFR flight Turkish 393 Cleared to Destination LTBA via Sarpi2A Departure, Flight Planned Route, Climb FL280, SQUAWK 6744, When Airborne Contact Batumi Approach at 124.425 Turkish 393 Cleared for Take-Off RWY 31 Wind 300 Degrees 15 Knots, Caution Flock Of Birds is Possible on RWY Heading VFR flight CFRWF Cleared To Leave Control Zone via Makhindjauri VFR, SQUAWK 0065, After Take-Off Turn Right to Makhindjauri. CFRWF Cleared for Take-Off RWY 31 Wind 300 Degrees 15 Knots, Caution Flock Of Birds is Possible on RWY Heading

Arrival Clearance Examples IFR flight Turkish 393 Cleared Sarpi1B Arrival RWY13, Descend Altitude 7000Ft to LU, QNH1009, Transition Level 90. Cleared ILS Approach RWY13, Report Established Turkish 393 Cleared to Land RWY13 Wind 140 Degrees 5 Knots, Caution Flock Of Birds is Possible on Final VFR flight CFRWF (Cleared To Enter Control Zone) Join Base via Makhindjauri VFR, Report on Final. CFRWF Cleared to Land RWY13 Wind 130 Degrees 5 Knots, Caution Flock Of Birds is Possible on Final

Questions…