Clearances, Readback and ATC Instruction Interpretation
Core concepts
Clearances are authorisations; readback is mandatory for clearances and instructions. Key concepts: a clearance is not a instruction to act unless it is a take-off or landing clearance; you must read back all clearances and instructions that affect safety. Know the readback requirements: route clearances, hold short instructions, runway crossings, take-off and landing clearances, altitude instructions, heading instructions, frequency changes, transponder codes. Traps: partial readback (missing items); reading back only the callsign; assuming a clearance is valid indefinitely; confusing 'cleared' with 'expect'. Also, know that 'cleared for take-off' must be read back in full; 'line up and wait' must be read back. Worked example: Tower: 'Cessna Five Six Alpha Bravo, cleared for take-off runway two zero, wind two zero zero degrees five knots.' Readback: 'Cleared for take-off runway two zero, Cessna Five Six Alpha Bravo.' Rule of thumb: read back all clearances and instructions in full, including callsign.
Key points
- Read back all clearances and safety-related instructions.
- Include callsign in readback.
- 'Cleared for take-off' must be read back in full.
- 'Line up and wait' must be read back.
- Do not assume a clearance remains valid if not read back.