FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
ATC issues a pilot holding instructions that include an Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time, and two-way communications remain normal throughout the hold. What is the primary purpose of the EFC time in this situation?
- AIt establishes the exact time the pilot must depart the hold even if clearance has not been received
- BIt gives the pilot a planning reference for anticipated holding duration to manage fuel and route planning
- CIt represents the mandatory time by which the pilot must report position to ATC
- DIt is used only as a contingency in the event of a two-way radio communications failure
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. It gives the pilot a planning reference for anticipated holding duration to manage fuel and route planning
While the EFC time also serves as the departure time from the holding fix in a lost-communications scenario, under normal communications its immediate purpose is to give the pilot an estimate of how long the hold may last so fuel and route planning decisions can be made.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect — the pilot need not depart automatically at EFC time if communications are functioning normally.
- C. Incorrect — EFC is not a position reporting requirement.
- D. Incorrect — while it does serve this backup function, that isn't its primary use during normal operations.
Expect Further Clearance (EFC) Time
A time issued during holding instructions indicating when a pilot should expect further clearance; used for fuel/route planning normally, and as a lost-comm departure time if communications fail.
- Dual purpose: planning aid and lost-comm backup
- Departure from hold at EFC time only applies during lost comm (91.185)
- Always read back and note EFC time when holding is assigned
Memory trick: EFC = 'Estimate For Continuing' the hold