FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
A pilot is flying an IFR flight and receives the clearance: 'Cleared direct to Springfield VOR, maintain 6,000, expect higher in 30 minutes.' The pilot continues to fly direct to the VOR. After 30 minutes, the pilot has not received any further clearance. What action should the pilot take regarding altitude?
- AClimb to the MEA for the route segment or the altitude filed for that segment, whichever is higher.
- BClimb to the highest altitude filed on the flight plan.
- CContinue to maintain 6,000 feet until a new clearance is received.
- DBegin a climb to the highest altitude that will allow communications.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Continue to maintain 6,000 feet until a new clearance is received.
An 'expect further clearance' (EFC) time is not a clearance to climb or descend. It is merely an advisement of when the pilot can expect to receive further instructions. Until a new clearance is received, the pilot must continue to comply with the last assigned clearance, which is to maintain 6,000 feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; the MEA or filed altitude is not applicable unless specifically cleared to it or in a lost communication scenario.
- B. Incorrect; an EFC is not a clearance to climb to a filed altitude.
- D. Incorrect; climbing for communications is not the primary action here and could violate airspace or separation.
Expect Further Clearance (EFC) Time
An Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time is the time at which a pilot can expect to receive a revised or additional ATC clearance. It is not an authorization to change altitude or route.
- EFC is an advisory, not a clearance.
- Pilots must continue to comply with the last assigned clearance.
- If no new clearance is received by the EFC time, the pilot should maintain the last assigned altitude and route.
- Used primarily in holding or when experiencing delays.
Memory trick: EFC is just a clock, not a climb, so hold your current block.