Types of Clearances Provided by ATC for Aircraft Landing
Making Your Way to the Runway
Have you ever heard these phrases over the radio? "Cleared to land", "Hold short of", "Cleared touch-and-go", "Cleared stop-and-go", and "Cleared for the option". If so, you're not alone. These are common phrases used by air traffic control (ATC) to guide pilots during takeoff and landing.
1) "Cleared to land"
You probably hear this a lot if you're a pilot. It simply means you're authorized to use the entire landing length of the runway, and you should ignore any holding position markings located on the runway. But, remember, this doesn't give you free rein to ignore other aircraft or traffic rules.
2) "Cleared to land, hold short of XX"
When ATC clears you to land but tells you to hold short of an intersection, you'll need to decide what to do after touching down. You have two options: exit the runway before the hold short line or stop prior to the holding position on the runway.
3) "Cleared touch-and-go"
Common in training, this one allows you to touch down and takeoff again without stopping or exiting the runway. It's a great way to practice and improve your landings.
4) "Cleared stop-and-go"
If you need to reconfigure your aircraft, prepare for takeoff again, or build night currency, you'll need to hear this one. You can touch down, bring your aircraft to a complete stop, and take off again without exiting the runway. But remember, don't dawdle on the runway, as ATC might have an aircraft landing behind you.
5) "Cleared for the option"
Looking for options? This one's for you! With this clearance, ATC authorizes you for a touch-and-go, stop-and-go, low approach, missed approach, or a full-stop landing. It's particularly helpful in training, enabling you to choose the maneuver best suited for each landing attempt.
Just remember to tell ATC your intentions as soon as possible, so they can manage the traffic around you.
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Insights:
In aviation communication with air traffic control (ATC), the term "cleared" holds various specific meanings related to authorization, permissions, and instructions given to pilots. These meanings focus on safety, clarity, and coordination of aircraft movements.
1. Permission to Perform an Action:"Cleared" indicates that the pilot has been authorized by ATC to proceed with a specific action, such as takeoff, landing, taxiing, or entering controlled airspace or a holding pattern.
2. Assignment of a Specific Altitude or Flight Level:"ATC clears the flight level" means the controller has assigned a specific altitude or flight level, ensuring orderly vertical separation and safe, conflict-free climb, cruise, or descent profiles.
3. Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) Clearance:"Cleared for SVFR" is a specific clearance allowing pilots to operate under special visual flight rules in controlled airspace when weather conditions are below normal VFR minimums but still allow visual navigation.
4. Usage in ATC Communication:The word "cleared" is used extensively in standard ATC phraseologies to indicate permission, understanding, or instruction acceptance, such as "Cleared to hold," "Cleared approach," and "Clearance delivery."
This clarity and standardization in the usage of "cleared" contribute greatly to aviation safety and effective air traffic management.
6) "Cleared for takeoff"
When you receive this clearance, you have been given the go-ahead by ATC to depart from the runway, provided your aircraft is configured properly and you follow all traffic rules. It's crucial to listen attentively for any additional instructions, such as runway heading or climb instructions.
7) "Cleared to VFR"
When visibility significantly improves and you're transitioning from instrument flight rules (IFR) to visual flight rules (VFR), you may hear this clearance. It signifies that you're cleared to continue flying under VFR regulations, under the control of the appropriate ATC unit and within the appropriate airspace.
8) "Cleared approach"
Upon hearing this clearance, you should follow the relevant airport's approach chart, adjust your altitude, and descend according to the steps outlined by ATC. You'll eventually intercept the final approach course and prepare for landing.
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