AIM Text
- Pilot.
- Acknowledges receipt and understanding of an ATC clearance.
- Reads back any hold short of runway instructions issued by ATC.
- Requests clarification or amendment, as appropriate, any time a clearance is not fully understood or considered unacceptable from a safety standpoint.
- Promptly complies with an air traffic clearance upon receipt except as necessary to cope with an emergency. Advises ATC as soon as possible and obtains an amended clearance, if deviation is necessary.
- Controller.
- Issues appropriate clearances for the operation to be conducted, or being conducted, in accordance with established criteria.
- Assigns altitudes in IFR clearances that are at or above the minimum IFR altitudes in controlled airspace.
- Ensures acknowledgement by the pilot for issued information, clearances, or instructions.
- Ensures that readbacks by the pilot of altitude, heading, or other items are correct. If incorrect, distorted, or incomplete, makes corrections as appropriate.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-5-2.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance outlining pilot and controller responsibilities surrounding an air traffic clearance. The pilot must acknowledge receipt, read back hold-short instructions, request clarification when needed, and promptly comply except in an emergency. The controller issues clearances per established criteria and verifies readbacks, supporting compliance with 14 CFR 91 ATC clearance rules.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Do I have to read back every ATC clearance?
The AIM states the pilot acknowledges receipt and understanding of an ATC clearance and reads back any hold short of runway instructions issued by ATC. The controller, in turn, ensures pilot acknowledgement and verifies that readbacks of altitude, heading, or other items are correct, making corrections if they are incorrect, distorted, or incomplete.
Does a landing clearance cancel an altitude crossing restriction?
No. The AIM notes that a clearance to land means appropriate separation on the landing runway will be ensured, but a landing clearance does not relieve the pilot from compliance with any previously issued altitude crossing restriction.
What if I do not understand or cannot accept a clearance?
The AIM directs the pilot to request clarification or amendment any time a clearance is not fully understood or is considered unacceptable from a safety standpoint. The pilot must promptly comply upon receipt except as necessary to cope with an emergency, and advise ATC as soon as possible to obtain an amended clearance if deviation is necessary.