Departure: Departure Clearance

Question 1

Which clearance items are given in an abbreviated IFR clearance? (CRAFT)

(AIM 4-4-3 and 5-2-5)

Answer 1

Clearance limit (destination airport or fix)
Route (initial heading) 
Altitude (initial altitude)
Frequency (departure)
Transponder (squawk code)

Question 2

How can you obtain IFR clearance be obtained at ATC towered airports?

Answer 2

Use specified ground control or clearance delivery frequency.

Question 3

How can you obtain IFR clearance at non-towered our outlying area airports?

Answer 3

• Over radio through an RCO (remote communication outlet), or sometimes over the telephone.
• in some areas, a clearance delivery frequency is available that is usable at different airports within a particular area such as Class B airspace
• A clearance may be obtained over GCO (ground communication outlet) which is unstaffed, remote controlled, ground-to ground communication facility that provides pilots with the capability to contact TC/FSS via VHF to a telephone connection
• If all the above methods are not available, your clearance can be obtained from ARTCC once you are airborne, provided you remain VFR in class E airspace.

*procedure varies due to geographical features, weather conditions, and complexity of the ATC system. Pilots should ask an FSS briefer for most appropriate means of obtaining their IFR clearance.

Question 4

What does ‘cleared as filed’ mean? (5-2-5)

Answer 4

An abbreviated IFR clearance based on the route of flight as filed in the IFR flight plan, provided filed route can be approved with little or no revision.

Question 5

What does ‘clearance void time’ mean? (5-2-6)

Answer 5

At a non-towered airport, a provision may be made that if the flight has not departed by a specific time, the clearance is void.

Question 6

What is the purpose of the term ‘hold for release’?

Answer 6

Instructions included in a clearance to delay an aircraft’s departure for traffic management reasons (weather, traffic, volume, etc.)

A pilot may not depart utilizing that IFR clearance until a release time or additional instructions are received from ATC.