Air Traffic Control Clearances
Air Traffic Control Clearances
Objective: the student will be introduced to air traffic control clearances regarding IFR flight
Completion Standards: the student will be able to demonstrate the ability to write down and relay ATC instructions. The student will also be able to explain why it is important to know what clearances are.
References: IFH, AIM, Part 91
Equipment: White Board and markers, iPad/ computer
IP’s Actions:
Assess student
State the objective and completion standards
Writes down references
Provide attention getter
Present content
Assessment
Assign Homework
SP’s Actions:
Take notes
Ask Questions
Introduction:
(Attention Getter) : (Link goes here)
Motivation: (Discuss purpose for lesson and relate to Attention getter)
Overview:
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCES
Cruise Clearances
IFR Flight Plan Clearances
Clearance Void Times
Copying ATC Clearances
Pilot and Controller Responsibilities
Content:
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCES
An ATC clearance allows an aircraft to proceed under specified traffic conditions within controlled airspace for the purpose of providing separation between known aircraft.
Runway Incursion Avoidance
A major contributor to runway incursions is lack of communication with ATC and not understanding the instructions that they give.
The primary way the pilot and ATC communicate is by voice.
The safety and efficiency of taxi operations at airports with operating control towers depend on this communication loop.
ATC uses standard phraseology and require readbacks and other responses from the pilot in order to verify that clearances and instructions are understood.
In order to complete the communication loop, the controllers must also clearly understand the pilot’s readback and other responses.
Cruise Clearances
“RDL 422, cleared to KCRG direct, cruise 5,000.”
The term “cruise” in this clearance means a pilot is authorized to fly at any altitude from the minimum IFR altitude up to and including 5,000 feet and may level off at any altitude within this block of airspace. A climb or descent within the block may be made at the pilot’s discretion.
However, once a pilot reports leaving an altitude within the block, the pilot may not return to that altitude without further ATC clearance.
IFR Flight Plan Clearances
C = Clearance Limit
R = Route of Flight
A = Altitude
F = Frequency (Departure)
T = Transponder Code
“RDL 422 is cleared to ST Simmons (KSSI) via radar vectors to OMN then as filed Climb to 3000’ then 5,000 10 minutes after. Departure frequency will be 125.8, Squawk 3214.”
The pilot must then correctly read this clearance back to the controller to ensure they are all on the same page as far as the Instrument Flight Plan is concerned.
Clearance Void Times
“RDL 422 is cleared to Gainesville airport as filed maintain 5,000. Clearance void if not off by 1330.”
Clearance void times are issued to pilots departing uncontrolled fields on IFR Flight Plans.
The pilot must take off and contact the appropriate controlling agency prior to the Clearance Void Time.
If the pilot is not able to depart prior to the Clearance Void Time, he/she must call ATC to get an amended clearance.
Copying ATC Clearances
It is always important that a pilot copies down all clearances given by ATC.
This can be accomplished with a note pad on the pilot kneeboard.
For long clearances, it may be necessary for the pilot to annotate short hand notes as he/she will not have time to copy the entire clearance word-for-word.
It is important for pilots to practice this short hand technique prior to making Instrument Flights.
Use CRAFT
Complying with Clearances
To maintain safe separation from other traffic,
it is always important that pilots understand and comply with clearances given by ATC.
If you are ever unsure of a clearance, ask for clarification.
Setting COMM Frequencies
Each time a pilot is given a new communication frequency by ATC
he/she should immediately note or input the new frequency into the standby frequency for their communications equipment.
Pilot and Controller Responsibilities
It is important that clearances and clearance readbacks are performed in the correct format.
This helps to eliminate confusion and to save time for both the pilot and Air Traffic Controllers.
A great helper for these readbacks can be found in the Pilot/Controller Glossary (PCG) in the Aeronautical Information Manual.
Conclusion
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCES
Cruise Clearances
IFR Flight Plan Clearances
Clearance Void Times
Copying ATC Clearances
Pilot and Controller Responsibilities
(Questions to assess student)
HW: listen to ATC instructions