FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsEasy
A pilot receives a clearance 'Cleared to Springfield Municipal, maintain 6,000, expect higher in 10 minutes.' What is the significance of the 'expect higher in 10 minutes' phrase?
- AIt is a suggestion for planning purposes and does not require pilot action.
- BIt is a mandatory climb instruction that must be initiated in 10 minutes.
- CIt indicates the approximate time when a further clearance will be issued.
- DIt means the pilot can climb to a higher altitude at their discretion after 10 minutes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It indicates the approximate time when a further clearance will be issued.
The phrase 'expect higher in 10 minutes' is an Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time. It advises the pilot when to anticipate receiving additional instructions, typically an amended clearance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While useful for planning, it's a formal communication and indicates an ATC expectation.
- B. This is incorrect; it's not a mandatory instruction to climb.
- D. This is incorrect; pilots cannot climb without an explicit clearance from ATC.
Expect Further Clearance (EFC) Time
An EFC time is a time issued by ATC to a pilot, indicating when to expect to receive a further clearance.
- Issued when holding or given a restriction.
- Provides a timeframe for the next clearance.
- Not a clearance to take action, but an expectation.
- Important for lost communication procedures.
Memory trick: EFC: Expect Future Clearance, like a clock for your next call.