Plain English Meaning

Permission from air traffic control to do something specific — like take off, land, fly a route, or change altitude — based on the traffic around you at that moment. It keeps known aircraft from running into each other, but it does not relieve the pilot of responsibility for flying safely and legally.

Full Definition

An authorization issued by air traffic control for an aircraft to proceed under specified traffic conditions within controlled airspace. The clearance is intended to prevent collisions between known aircraft; it is not an authorization to deviate from any rule, regulation, or minimum altitude, nor to conduct unsafe operations.

Context Anchor

You encounter ATC clearances during radio with air traffic control, especially before , , , , altitude changes, and operations.