Air Traffic Control Clearance

An ATC Clearance is an authorization issued by air traffic control for an aircraft to taxi, take off, land, enter airspace, or proceed along a specific route under defined conditions. A clearance is not a suggestion — it is an instruction that pilots are expected to comply with.

The standard IFR clearance follows the CRAFT format:

• Clearance limit (usually the destination airport)
• Route (SID, airways, transitions)
• Altitude (initial and expected)
• Frequency (departure frequency)
• Transponder (squawk code)

Pilots must read back clearances to confirm understanding. If unable to comply, they must advise ATC immediately.