FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCMedium
ATC issues a clearance stating, 'Clearance void if not off by 1450, if not off by 1450 advise Denver Center of intentions no later than 1500 via telephone at 303-555-0134.' The aircraft fails to depart by 1450. What must the pilot do?
- ADepart anyway since the clearance remains valid for 10 additional minutes
- BContact Denver Center by telephone no later than 1500 to advise intentions
- CConsider the flight plan automatically canceled with no further action required
- DWait for a new clearance to be issued automatically by the tower
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Contact Denver Center by telephone no later than 1500 to advise intentions
A void time clearance becomes invalid if the aircraft is not airborne by the stated time; the pilot must then contact ATC by the specified means and time to advise of intentions, since the original clearance no longer protects the aircraft.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The clearance is void immediately at 1450; departing without a new clearance risks a loss of separation.
- C. Failing to contact ATC as instructed could create a traffic conflict since ATC will assume the aircraft did not depart.
- D. ATC does not automatically reissue a clearance; the pilot must initiate contact.
Clearance Void Time
A time by which an aircraft must be airborne under an ATC clearance issued without direct radio/radar contact; if not airborne, the clearance is void and the pilot must contact ATC as instructed.
- Common in non-towered or marginal radio coverage departures
- If not off by void time, clearance is void
- Pilot must notify ATC of intentions by specified time/method
- Failure to comply can create traffic separation issues for ATC
Memory trick: 'Void means Void' — like a coupon, it expires and you must call to explain.