ATC Clearances

Question 1

Define an Air Traffic Control Clearance

Answer 1

Authorisation for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an air traffic control unit

Question 2

Define an Air Traffic Control Instruction

Answer 2

Directive issued by ATC for the purpose of requiring a pilot to take a specific action

Question 3

Define Downstream Clearance

Answer 3

‘Downstream clearance’ means a clearance issued to an aircraft by an air traffic control unit that is not the current controlling authority of that aircraft

Question 4

Define Clearance Limit

Answer 4

The point to which an aircraft is granted an air traffic control clearance

Question 5

What are three things a clearance could be?

Answer 5

The name of the appropriate reporting point
Aerodrome
Controlled airspace boundary

Question 6

When must ATC clearances be issued?

Answer 6

1) ATC must issue clearances to expedite and separate air traffic based on known traffic conditions which affect safety in aircraft operation.

2) ATC must issue clearances to prevent collisions and expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic.

3) ATC clearances must be issued early enough to ensure that they are transmitted to the aircraft in sufficient time for it to comply with them.

Question 7

What do ATC clearances NOT do?

Answer 7

Give authority to violate any applicable regulations.

Relieve the PIC of any responsibility whatsoever.

Question 8

When should an aircraft obtain an ATC clearance?

Answer 8

Prior to operating a controlled flight, or a portion of a flight as a controlled flight. Clearances shall be requested through the submission of a flight plan to ATC.

Question 9

What should happen if a clearance is not satisfactory to a pilot?

Answer 9

The pilot should inform ATC if the clearance is not satisfactory, and ATC shall issue an amended clearance.

Question 10

What needs to happen if a pilot requests a priority clearance?

Answer 10

A report explaining the need for such priority shall be submitted, if requested by ATC.

Question 11

Can an aircraft operating at a controlled aerodrome taxi without clearance?

Answer 11

No. An aircraft operating on a controlled aerodrome shall must taxi with clearance from the aerodrome controller, and must comply with the clearance.

Question 12

What should an ATC clearance contain?

Answer 12

1) Aircraft Ident
2) Clearance Limit
3) Route of Flight
4) Flight Levels and any changes
5) Any necessary instructions pertaining to the clearance.

Question 13

If an aircraft requests a change in route or level, what must happen?

Answer 13

1) The new clearance must contain the exact nature of the change

2) If traffic conditions do not permit a change of route/level, the word unable should be used and an alternative offered

Question 14

How should a vertical clearance be expressed below the transition altitude?

Answer 14

In terms of altitude

Question 15

How should a a vertical clearance be expressed above the transition level?

Answer 15

In terms of Flight Level

Question 16

How should a vertical clearance be expressed when passing through the transition layer?

Answer 16

In terms of altitude when descending and in terms of Flight Level when climbing

Question 17

When shall a flight crew be provided with the transition level?

Answer 17

In due time prior to reaching it during descent.

Question 18

When is a QNH setting included in a clearance?

Answer 18

In a descent clearance when first cleared below the transition level

In approach clearances or clearances to enter the traffic circuit

In taxi clearances for departing aircraft, except where it is known that the aircraft has received the QNH in a directed transmission

Question 19

When should a QFE be provided?

Answer 19

On request or regularly depending on local arrangements

Question 20

When an aircraft is operating on QFE, how should its vertical position be expressed?

Answer 20

In terms of height above aerodrome elevation or height above runway threshold elevation

Question 21

When can a conditional clearance be issued?

Answer 21

When the aircraft or vehicles concerned are all seen by the controller, pilots and drivers.

Question 22

Can a conditional clearance be issued on multiple vehicles/aircraft?

Answer 22

No. The condition must be based on the first aircraft/vehicle that passes infront.

Question 23

What are the contents and order of a conditional clearance?

Answer 23

1) Callsign
2) Condition
3) Clearance
4) Brief reiteration of the condition

Question 24

Can designations of standard clearances be used in place of issuing a full route clearance?

Answer 24

Yes, when the standard routes have been established and published in the AIP.

Question 25

What items of a clearance are mandatory readbacks?

Answer 25

ATC Route Clearances
Any clearance related to a runway
Runway-In-Use
Altimeter Setting
SSR Code
Frequencies
Level Instructions
Headings
Speeds
Transition Level

Question 26

What is the ATCOs responsibility when hearing a readback?

Answer 26

To listen and ascertain a correct readback and take immediate action to correct any errors.

Question 27

Are voice readbacks of CPDLC required?

Answer 27

No, unless specified by the ANSP.

Question 28

When shall an aircraft be cleared for its entire route to destination?

Answer 28

When it has been possible to coordinate between all relevant units

When there is reasonable assurance that prior coordination will be effected between the relevant units

Question 29

Where shall an aircraft be cleared when coordination has not been achieved?

Answer 29

The aircraft shall be cleared only to the point where coordination is reasonably assured. Upon reaching that point, further clearance or holding instructions will be given.

Question 30

How should a downstream clearance be sourced?

Answer 30

Aircraft shall contact a downstream ATC unit, but must maintain two-way communications with the current ATC unit.

The downstream clearance shall be easily identifiable as such and not affect the aircrafts original profile.

Question 31

What are the rules associated with flights between neighbouring CTAs/CTRs?

Answer 31

If an aircraft intends to depart an aerodrome within a CTR/CTA and enter another CTR/CTA within 30 minutes, prior coordination shall be effected before issuing a departure clearance.

However, if the flight is intending to use uncontrolled airspace between both CTAs/CTRs, this is not required.