AIM Text
- A clearance issued by ATC is predicated on known traffic and known physical airport conditions. An ATC clearance means an authorization by ATC, for the purpose of preventing collision between known aircraft, for an aircraft to proceed under specified conditions within controlled airspace. IT IS NOT AUTHORIZATION FOR A PILOT TO DEVIATE FROM ANY RULE, REGULATION, OR MINIMUM ALTITUDE NOR TO CONDUCT UNSAFE OPERATION OF THE AIRCRAFT.
- 14 CFR section 91.3(a) states: “The pilot-in-command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.” If ATC issues a clearance that would cause a pilot to deviate from a rule or regulation, or in the pilot's opinion, would place the aircraft in jeopardy, IT IS THE PILOT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST AN AMENDED CLEARANCE. Similarly, if a pilot prefers to follow a different course of action, such as make a 360 degree turn for spacing to follow traffic when established in a landing or approach sequence, land on a different runway, takeoff from a different intersection, takeoff from the threshold instead of an intersection, or delay operation, THE PILOT IS EXPECTED TO INFORM ATC ACCORDINGLY. When the pilot requests a different course of action, however, the pilot is expected to cooperate so as to preclude disruption of traffic flow or creation of conflicting patterns. The pilot is also expected to use the appropriate aircraft call sign to acknowledge all ATC clearances, frequency changes, or advisory information.
- Each pilot who deviates from an ATC clearance in response to a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System resolution advisory must notify ATC of that deviation as soon as possible.
- When weather conditions permit, during the time an IFR flight is operating, it is the direct responsibility of the pilot to avoid other aircraft since VFR flights may be operating in the same area without the knowledge of ATC. Traffic clearances provide standard separation only between IFR flights.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-4-1.
The short answer
AIM 4-4-1 is FAA advisory guidance defining an ATC clearance as an authorization to prevent collision between known aircraft within controlled airspace under specified conditions. It stresses a clearance is not authorization to deviate from any rule or minimum altitude, and reinforces that the pilot-in-command remains the final authority under 14 CFR 91.3(a).
Research Notes
Common Questions
Does an ATC clearance let a pilot deviate from a regulation or minimum altitude?
No. AIM 4-4-1 states a clearance is an authorization to prevent collision between known aircraft and is not authorization to deviate from any rule, regulation, or minimum altitude, nor to conduct unsafe operation. Under 14 CFR 91.3(a), the pilot-in-command is directly responsible for and the final authority as to operation of the aircraft.
What should a pilot do if a clearance would put the aircraft in jeopardy?
Per AIM 4-4-1, if ATC issues a clearance that would cause a deviation from a rule or, in the pilot’s opinion, would place the aircraft in jeopardy, it is the pilot’s responsibility to request an amended clearance. Pilots preferring a different course of action are expected to inform ATC and cooperate to avoid disrupting traffic flow.
Does a clearance provide separation from VFR traffic?
No. AIM 4-4-1 notes traffic clearances provide standard separation only between IFR flights. When weather permits, it is the pilot’s direct responsibility to avoid other aircraft, since VFR flights may operate in the same area without ATC’s knowledge. A pilot deviating for a TCAS resolution advisory must notify ATC as soon as possible.