3/21/24 

Pilot/Controller Glossary 

CLEARED FOR THE OPTION

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ATC authorization for an aircraft to make a touch-and-go, low approach, 

missed approach, stop and go, or full stop landing at the discretion of the pilot. It is normally used in training 

so that an instructor can evaluate a student’s performance under changing situations. Pilots should advise ATC 

if they decide to remain on the runway, of any delay in their stop and go, delay clearing the runway, or are unable 

to comply with the instruction(s). 

(See OPTION APPROACH.) 
(Refer to AIM.) 

CLEARED THROUGH

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ATC authorization for an aircraft to make intermediate stops at specified airports 

without refiling a flight plan while en route to the clearance limit. 

CLEARED TO LAND

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ATC authorization for an aircraft to land. It is predicated on known traffic and known 

physical airport conditions. 

CLEARWAY

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 An area beyond the takeoff runway under the control of airport authorities within which terrain 

or fixed obstacles may not extend above specified limits. These areas may be required for certain 

turbine-powered operations and the size and upward slope of the clearway will differ depending on when the 

aircraft was certificated. 

(Refer to 14 CFR Part 1.) 

CLIMB TO VFR

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ATC authorization for an aircraft to climb to VFR conditions within Class B, C, D, and E 

surface areas when the only weather limitation is restricted visibility. The aircraft must remain clear of clouds 

while climbing to VFR. 

(See SPECIAL VFR CONDITIONS.) 
(Refer to AIM.) 

CLIMBOUT

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 That portion of flight operation between takeoff and the initial cruising altitude. 

CLIMB VIA– An abbreviated ATC clearance that requires compliance with the procedure lateral path, 

associated speed restrictions, and altitude restrictions along the cleared route or procedure. 

CLOSE PARALLEL RUNWAYS

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Two parallel runways whose extended centerlines are separated by less than 

4,300 feet and at least 3000 feet (750 feet for SOIA operations) for which ATC is authorized to conduct 

simultaneous independent approach operations. PRM and simultaneous close parallel appear in approach title. 

Dual communications, special pilot training, an Attention All Users Page (AAUP), NTZ monitoring by displays 

that have aural and visual alerting algorithms are required. A high update rate surveillance sensor is required for 

certain runway or approach course spacing. 

CLOSED LOOP CLEARANCE

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 A vector or reroute clearance that includes a return to route point and updates 

ERAM to accurately reflect the anticipated route (e.g., a QU route pick that anticipates length of vector and 

includes the next fix that ties into the route of flight.) 

CLOSED RUNWAY

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 A runway that is unusable for aircraft operations. Only the airport management/military 

operations office can close a runway. 

CLOSED TRAFFIC

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 Successive operations involving takeoffs and landings or low approaches where the 

aircraft does not exit the traffic pattern. 

CLOUD

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 A cloud is a visible accumulation of minute water droplets and/or ice particles in the atmosphere above 

the Earth’s surface. Cloud differs from ground fog, fog, or ice fog only in that the latter are, by definition, in 

contact with the Earth’s surface. 

CLT

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(See CALCULATED LANDING TIME.) 

PCG C

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