Lesson 2

IFR Clearances

4−3−2. DEPARTURE CLEARANCES

Include the following items in IFR departure clearances:

b. Clearance Limit.

1. Specify the destination airport when practicable, even though it is outside controlled airspace.

(a) When the clearance limit is an airport, the word “airport” must follow the airport name.

PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO (destination) AIRPORT

(b) When the clearance limit is a NAVAID and the NAVAID type is known, the type of NAVAID must follow the NAVAID name.

PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO (NAVAID name and type)

(c) When the clearance limit is an intersection or waypoint and the type is known, the type must follow the intersection or waypoint name.

PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO (intersection or waypoint name and type)

2. For Air Force One (AF1) operations, do not specify the destination airport.

PHRASEOLOGY− DESTINATION AS FILED.

c. Departure Procedures.

1. Specify direction of takeoff/turn or initial heading to be flown after takeoff as follows:

(a) Locations with Airport Traffic Control Service−Specify direction of takeoff/turn or initial heading as necessary, consistent with published:

(1) Departure Procedures (DP). If an aircraft is vectored off a published Standard Instrument Departure (SID) or Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP), that vector cancels the DP and ATC becomes responsible for separation from terrain and /or obstructions. IFR aircraft must be assigned an altitude.

(2) Diverse Vector Areas (DVA). The assignment of an initial heading using a DVA can be given to the pilot as part of the initial clearance, but must be given no later than with the takeoff clearance. Once airborne, an aircraft assigned headings within the DVA can be vectored below the MVA/MIA. Controllers cannot interrupt an aircraft’s climb in the DVA until the aircraft is at or above the MVA/MIA.

5. SIDs:

(a) Assign a SID (including transition if necessary).

PHRASEOLOGY− (SID name and number) DEPARTURE.

(SID name and number) DEPARTURE, (transition name) TRANSITION.

EXAMPLE− “Stroudsburg One Departure.” “Stroudsburg One Departure, Sparta Transition.”

NOTE− If a pilot does not wish to use a SID issued in an ATC clearance, or any other SID published for that location, he/she is expected to advise ATC.

d. Route of flight. Specify one or more of the following:

1. Airway, route, course, heading, azimuth, arc, or vector.

e. Altitude. Use one of the following in the order of preference listed.

3. Assign an altitude, as near as possible to the altitude requested by the pilot, and

(a) Inform the pilot when to expect clearance to the requested altitude unless instructions are contained in the specified SID, or

(b) If the requested altitude is not expected to be available, inform the pilot what altitude can be expected and when/where to expect it.

4. Use one of the following when the SID contains published crossing restrictions:

(a) Instruct aircraft to “Climb via SID.”

(b) Instruct the aircraft to “Climb via SID except maintain (altitude)” when a top altitude is not published or when it is necessary to issue an interim altitude.

5. When a SID does not contain published crossing restrictions and/or is a SID with a Radar Vector segment or a Radar Vector SID; or a SID is constructed with a Radar Vector segment and contains published crossing restrictions after the vector segment, instruct aircraft to “MAINTAIN (altitude).”

3−9−3. DEPARTURE CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS

Inform departing IFR, SVFR, VFR aircraft receiving radar service, and TRSA VFR aircraft of the following:

a. Before takeoff.

1. Issue the appropriate departure control frequency and beacon code. The departure control frequency may be omitted if a SID has been or will be assigned and the departure control frequency is published on the SID.

PHRASEOLOGY− DEPARTURE FREQUENCY (frequency), SQUAWK (code).

4−3−3. ABBREVIATED DEPARTURE CLEARANCE
a. Issue an abbreviated departure clearance if its use reduces verbiage

b. If it is necessary to modify a filed route of flight, the controller issuing the clearance must issue the route clearance to a filed fix, or issue the entire route.

PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO (destination) AIRPORT;

and as appropriate,

(SID name and number) DEPARTURE, (transition name) TRANSITION, THEN AS FILED.

When the SID does not contain published crossing restrictions and/or is a SID with a Radar Vector segment or a Radar Vector SID; or is a SID with a radar vector segment and contains published crossing restrictions after the vector segment.

MAINTAIN (altitude); (additional instructions or information).

Or when a SID contains published crossing restrictions,

CLIMB VIA SID.

CLIMB VIA SID EXCEPT MAINTAIN (altitude);

If a SID is not assigned, CLEARED TO (destination) AIRPORT AS FILED. MAINTAIN (altitude)

NOTE - IFR Clearances are valid for 2 hours.

CRAFT Acronym

All of the above information can be easily organized by using CRAFT

Clearance Limit
Route
Altitude
Frequency
Transponder Code

CRAFT, mmmm... Hungry yet?

Clearance Limit

The first portion of the CRAFT acronym is the "C" or Clearance Limit. The clearance limit is the furthest point along a route that an aircraft may fly. Usually it is the destination airport, but in rare cases it may be any fix along the aircraft's route.

PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO (destination) AIRPORT

Note: You aren't required to know every airport name or identifier. If you are unsure of an airport identifier, a phonetic spelling of the destination is acceptable. A quick search of the airport code, if you have time, will help you familiarize yourself with it and also win some professionalism brownie points with the pilot.

Route

This is the method that the aircraft is going to use to get to the clearance limit defined above. There are 2 different ways to issue the "R" portion of the CRAFT Acronym

a. No Vectors (Preferred):

1. With SID

PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO (destination) AIRPORT; (SID name and number) DEPARTURE, (transition name) TRANSITION, THEN AS FILED.

2. No SID

PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO (destination) AIRPORT AS FILED.

b. Radar Vectors (Rare):
1. With SID

PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO (destination) AIRPORT; ON DEPARTURE TURN RIGHT/LEFT HEADING (Heading), RADAR VECTORS TO JOIN (SID name and number) DEPARTURE, (transition name) TRANSITION, THEN AS FILED.

2. No SID

PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO (destination) AIRPORT VIA RADAR VECTORS (Route) THEN AS FILED.

Note on SIDs:

Aircraft are not required to file a transition. If an aircraft doesn't want to fly to the transition(s), they have to exit at the base fix. The base fix is the fix listed after the "." in the procedure title of hybrid and pnav SIDs.

EXAMPLE - The first aircraft (In green) wants to fly the WICKS transition. Phraseology "KRMSN2 departure, WICKS transition, then as filed"

The second aircraft (In red) does not want to fly a transition, and wants to exit at the base fix. Phraseology "KRMSN2 departure, then as filed"

Both routings are acceptable, at the end of the day our primary concern is getting the aircraft on a routing that gets them out of a departure gate of the terminal area.

Practically speaking - Ensure aircraft will exit the SID either at a transition or the base fix, and use the phraseology prescribed above

Amending a Route:

Issue a route amendment when necessary to comply with SOPs/LOAs.

EXAMPLE1 - An aircraft files from KOKC-KHOT via PGO. Per the OKC SOP, the aircraft needs to be routed through a departure gate. Using Appendix B, assign the following amendment: "Cleared to Hot Springs airport via radar vectors victor two-ten, MINGG, direct PGO then as filed."

EXAMPLE2 - An aircraft filed from KACT-KIAH via TORNN GUSHR3, and IAH is west flow. As per the ZHU LOA, the aircraft needs to be on the appropriate west flow STAR. Assign the following amendment: "Cleared to Houston airport via radar vectors TORNN, DRLLR5 arrival."

Altitude

The controller shall give an initial altitude for the aircraft to maintain on departure, followed by when they can expect their requested altitude (Cruise). The initial altitude can be found in the applicable SOP/Minor reference guide. The expect altitude is given for lost communication purposes.

PHRASEOLOGY− MAINTAIN (Altitude). EXPECT (Requested altitude) ONE ZERO MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE.

4. Use one of the following when the SID contains published crossing restrictions:

(a) Instruct aircraft to “Climb via SID.”

(b) Instruct the aircraft to “Climb via SID except maintain (altitude)” when a top altitude is not published or when it is necessary to issue an interim altitude.

"SWA45 cleared to St Louis airport, ESNYE 4 departure, Okmulgee transition then as filed. Climb via SID..." (Contains published crossing restrictions)

"N566AJ cleared to Texarkana airport, KRMSN 2 Departure, WICKS transition then as filed. Maintain five thousand..." (Does not contain published crossing restrictions)

Frequency

This is the frequency that the aircraft will switch to on departure. Generally on VATSIM it will be Fort Worth Center, but can be numerous other positions.

PHRASEOLOGY− DEPARTURE FREQUENCY (frequency)

NOTE - Replace (frequency) with OFFLINE when departure is offline

Transponder

Also known as a "squawk code". This code helps radar controllers radar identify aircraft when airborne. Squawk codes are 4 digits long, in the range 1-7. This code is meant to be individual to each airplane and the assigned code ranges automatically change based on controller position.

Why does it matter if they squawk the right code or not? The right code allows the radar controllers to correctly identify and control aircraft when airborne!

PHRASEOLOGY− SQUAWK (code).

Quick Guide to Understanding Tower Radar Mode Data Tags.

NOTE- Unless you are at an airport with a ground radar (Only DFW), do not inform aircraft on the ground that their transponder is off or on the wrong code.

Pilot Readback

2−4−3. PILOT ACKNOWLEDGMENT/READ BACK

Ensure pilots acknowledge all Air Traffic Clearances and ATC Instructions. When a pilot reads back an Air Traffic Clearance or ATC Instruction:

a. Ensure that items read back are correct.

b. Ensure the read back of hold short instructions, whether a part of taxi instructions or a LAHSO clearance.

c. Ensure pilots use call signs and/or registration numbers in any read back acknowledging an Air Traffic Clearance or ATC Instruction.

PHRASEOLOGY - READ BACK CORRECT

NOTE− ATC Clearance/Instruction Read Back guidance for pilots in the AIM states:

a. Although pilots should read back the “numbers,” unless otherwise required by procedure or controller request, pilots may acknowledge clearances, control instructions, or other information by using “Wilco,” “Roger,” “Affirmative,” or other words or remarks with their aircraft identification.

c. Initial read back of a taxi, departure or landing clearance should include the runway assignment.

Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)

SIDs and STARs play a critical role in the national air traffic control system. It is imperative to understand what they are, the various types, and their purpose!

SIDs and STARs are a complex topic for many new controllers and seems to be one of the more challenging areas of the S1 rating curriculum. Various types of SIDs dictate different phraseology in clearances and more.

Radar Vectored SID

A radar vector SID is used where air traffic control provides radar navigational guidance to a filed or assigned route or to a fix depicted on a SID. Flying a vector SID may require first flying an assigned heading or obstacle departure procedure (ODP). This is usually annotated in the departure description section with an initial assigned heading.

NOTE - The phraseology changes with radar vectored SIDs. EXAMPLE - "KEENE9 departure, radar vectors WINDU then as filed"

The KEENE 9 SID is an example of a Radar Vectored SID out of DFW. Possible routing points include: ACT, CLL, ELLVR, WINDU etc.

Hybrid SID

A hybrid SID is a departure that combines elements of both the pilot-nav and radar vector departures. A hybrid SID usually requires the pilot to fly a set of instructions, then be vectored to a defined route to a transition to leave the terminal area.

Pilot Nav

A pilot-nav SID is a SID where the pilot is primarily responsible for navigation along the SID route. It allows for the aircraft to get from the runway to its assigned route with no vectoring required from air traffic control. They are established for airports where terrain and related safety factors dictate a path to be flown.

Example of a Pilot-Nav VOR based departure

Example of a Pilot-Nav RNAV GPS based departure

Departure and Arrival Gates

The only air spaces at ZFW that have departure and arrival gates are Oklahoma City airspace and the D10 Dallas Metroplex airspace.
When in an event situation or when a radar position is on above, departures MUST be routed through a gate via means of a SID, vectors GPS direct a gate, vectors to join a radial to a gate, or vectors through a gate.
- It is usually best to politely query pilots about what they can and can't accept to find the right solution for getting them through the gates. Some people have old databases, unchangeable flight plans, or lack the skill to reprogram their avionics to a new route.

Simply put, departure and arrival gates are aviation's version of One-Way streets leading in and out of busy air spaces. They prevent arrivals and departures from systematically flying into each other.

Departure Gates
- SIDs are designed to flow OUT through these
Arrival Gates
- STARs are designed to flow IN through these

Example of departure and arrival gates for the Oklahoma City Airspace, coincidentally the SIDs and STARs that flow through each of these gates are named after each gate they utilize. For example the TDSEL arrival utilizes the TSDEL arrival gate.

White represents the terminal airspace boundaries

Red arrows denote arrival gates

Green arrows denote departure gates

Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC)

What is a PDC?

A pre-departure clearance is basically an electronic version of the the IFR clearance you would normally give to pilots over the radio.

Why Digital?

So why are airports going through the process of issuing PDCs instead of the usual method of issuing clearances over the radio?

ATC and the pilots have an exact copy of the flight plan, which means there's less possibility of confusion or mis-communication of the clearance. If you've ever flown into a large airport, or monitored clearance delivery at a busy time, you know things can get pretty jammed up on the radio.
It cuts down on radio delays. Clearances can be long, especially if they're amended and the controller needs to read the entire clearance to the pilots.

So how do we use them as a controller on VATSIM?

We utilize the dot alias commands from your alias file to create these. Your instructor will show you the process on how to issue a PDC in this upcoming lesson. Pilots receive the PDC's via private text message on their pilot client so they are able to copy the clearance down. If you are on VRC utilize the .pdchelp command to show how to format a PDC.

Even once you have achieved the S1 rating, you are still expected to be able to issue IFR clearances over the radio except in extremely busy situations (high event traffic). While PDC's are easy, don't use them as a crutch!

Putting It All Together

Let's look at some example clearances using the CRAFT acronym!

Example 1 (Pilot NAV SID with crossing restrictions)

Aircraft: UAL3371

Traveling: KLAS to KDEN

Route: STAAV4 DVC WOLLF CREDE2

Filed Altitude: 37,000

C: "UNITED THIRTY THREE SEVENTY ONE, CLEARED TO DENVER AIRPORT"
R: "STAAV FOUR DEPARTURE, DOVE CREEK TRANSITION, THEN AS FILED."
A: "CLIMB VIA SID"
F: "DEPARTURE FREQUENCY ONE TWO EIGHT POINT TWO FIVE"
T: "SQUAWK THREE SEVEN ZERO SIX"

Example 2 (Pilot NAV SID without crossing restrictions)

Aircraft: AAL871

Traveling: KSEA to KMCO

Route: EPKEE2 GATTR ICT RZC MEM J41 VUZ LSF OTK PIGLT4

Filed Altitude: 39,000

C: "AMERICAN EIGHT SEVENTY ONE, CLEARED TO ORLANDO AIRPORT"
R: "EPKEE TWO DEPARTURE, GATTR TRANSITION, THEN AS FILED."
A: "MAINTAIN ONE ZERO THOUSAND, EXPECT FLIGHT LEVEL THREE NINER ZERO ONE ZERO MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE."
F: "DEPARTURE FREQUENCY ONE ONE NINER POINT TWO FIVE"
T: "SQUAWK SIX FOUR TWO ONE"

Example 3 (No SID)

Aircraft: N5204N

Traveling: KSBN to KIND

Route: OXI V371 BVT V399 VHP

Filed Altitude: 7,000

C: "SKYHAWK FIVE TWO ZERO FOUR NOVEMBER, CLEARED TO THE INDIANAPOLIS AIRPORT"
R: "AS FILED"
A: "MAINTAIN THREE THOUSAND, EXPECT SEVEN THOUSAND ONE ZERO MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE"
F: "DEPARTURE FREQUENCY ONE TWO FOUR POINT EIGHT"
T: "SQUAWK THREE ONE TWO ONE"

Example 4 (Departure OFFLINE)

Aircraft: SWA42

Traveling: KDAL to KAUS

Route: CURLO4 ELVER SEWZY3

Filed Altitude: 20,000

C: "Southwest 42, cleared to Austin AIRPORT "
R: "CURLO4 DEPARTURE, ELLVR TRANSITION, THEN AS FILED"
A: "CLIMB VIA SID"
F: "DEPARTURE FREQUENCY OFFLINE"
T: "SQUAWK THREE ONE TWO ONE"

Self-Assessment

Unit 2 Lesson 1 SA

Lesson 2A

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