AIM Text
A clearance, control information, or a response to a request for information originated by an ATC facility and relayed to the pilot through an air-to-ground communication station will be prefixed by “ATC clears,” “ATC advises,” or “ATC requests.”
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-4-2.
Research Notes
AIM 4-4-2 covers clearance prefixes — the standard initial words ATC uses when issuing clearances.
Standard prefixes:
- "ATC clears [aircraft]..." — full IFR clearance issued by Clearance Delivery or Center
- "[Aircraft], cleared..." — common abbreviated form during operations
- "Maintain VFR" — VFR-on-top or VFR conditions clearance
- "Cleared as filed" — clearance matches your filed flight plan (with any modifications stated)
- "Cleared for the option" — flexible clearance allowing touch-and-go, full-stop, low approach, or missed approach
Why the prefix matters: Hearing "cleared" alerts the pilot that what follows is a binding clearance requiring readback and compliance. Without that prefix, the controller's transmission may be advisory only.
The 'cleared into the Bravo' phrase: Specific authorization for Class B entry — required per § 91.131. Without that explicit phrase, the pilot may NOT enter Class B regardless of how friendly the conversation has been.