clearance
KLEER-uhnss
/ˈklɪə.rəns/
Official authorization given by air traffic control for an aircraft to proceed under specified conditions.
Implies formal regulatory permission, distinct from casual permission or physical gap distance.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Latin 'clarus', meaning bright or distinct. In medieval French it became 'clerté', evolving into Middle English 'cleren' meaning to remove obstacles, ultimately acquiring its modern regulatory sense.
Word relationships
- authorization: A general term for official permission, while clearance is specific to operational directives.
- green light: An informal idiom for approval, whereas clearance is formal and mandatory.
- denial: Refusal of requested operational authorization.
- prohibition: An explicit order forbidding an action.
Commonly confused with
- clearance (physical): Physical clearance measures distance gap, while aviation clearance is regulatory permission.
Word family
- clear (verb): To grant official permission to proceed.
Collocations
- takeoff clearance
- landing clearance
- ATC clearance
- obtain clearance
- grant clearance
Example sentences
- "The pilot requested takeoff clearance from the tower before taxiing onto the active runway." Flight Operations
- "Flight 402 read back the ATC clearance word for word to ensure there were no errors in altitude or routing." Departure Protocol
Memory hook
Making the path CLEAR so you can advance. Official permission to fly ahead.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a retail clearance sale when discussing flight operations.
Fun facts
- Pilots must read back all critical elements of an ATC clearance to prevent miscommunication accidents.
Explore more words
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