AIM Text
The “Cleared for the Option” procedure will permit an instructor, flight examiner or pilot the option to make a touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. This procedure can be very beneficial in a training situation in that neither the student pilot nor examinee would know what maneuver would be accomplished. The pilot should make a request for this procedure passing the final approach fix inbound on an instrument approach or entering downwind for a VFR traffic pattern. After ATC approval of the option, the pilot should inform ATC as soon as possible of any delay on the runway during their stop-and-go or full stop landing. The advantages of this procedure as a training aid are that it enables an instructor or examiner to obtain the reaction of a trainee or examinee under changing conditions, the pilot would not have to discontinue an approach in the middle of the procedure due to student error or pilot proficiency requirements, and finally it allows more flexibility and economy in training programs. This procedure will only be used at those locations with an operational control tower and will be subject to ATC approval.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-3-23.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance describing the “Cleared for the Option” procedure, which lets an instructor, examiner, or pilot choose a touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop-and-go, or full-stop landing. Used as a training aid at towered airports and subject to ATC approval, it keeps the trainee from knowing which maneuver will occur.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What can a pilot do when “cleared for the option”?
The AIM states the “Cleared for the Option” procedure permits an instructor, flight examiner, or pilot the option to make a touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop-and-go, or full-stop landing. It is used only at locations with an operational control tower and is subject to ATC approval.
When should a pilot request the option?
The AIM advises requesting the option when passing the final approach fix inbound on an instrument approach, or when entering downwind for a VFR traffic pattern. After ATC approval, the pilot should inform ATC as soon as possible of any delay on the runway during a stop-and-go or full-stop landing.
When are anti-collision and landing lights used in flight?
Per AIM 4-3-24, position lights are required from sunset to sunrise and anti-collision lights during all operations, though the pilot-in-command may turn anti-collision lights off in adverse weather if they create a hazard (14 CFR 91.209). Under Operation Lights On, pilots are encouraged to use landing lights below 10,000 feet and within 10 miles of an airport.