Definition 1 of 2
Definition
An ATC authorization for an aircraft to land on a specific runway at a specific airport. The clearance confirms the runway is available for the arriving aircraft and that no conflicting traffic or operations are expected on or near it at the time of landing.
Plain English
The controller has given you permission to land on the runway you were assigned. You can continue your approach and touch down without needing further approval to land.
Context Anchor
Heard on the radio from the tower when an aircraft is approaching a runway at an airport with an operating control tower.
Derivation
Cleared comes from the idea of making a path clear. In aviation radio use, it means permission has been given after the controller has checked the situation as they know it. Land means to bring the aircraft onto the ground.
Why Pilots Care
This explicit clearance is required before landing at a controlled airport. Landing without it violates regulations and can compromise safety.
Intuition Check
Do not read Cleared to Land as a guarantee that the runway will stay safe until touchdown. It means air traffic control has authorized the landing based on what they know at that moment.
Example Sentence 1
On a three-mile final, the tower called, 'Cessna Three-Four-Yankee, runway one-eight, cleared to land.'
Example Sentence 2
After receiving cleared to land, the pilot completed the before-landing checklist and flared the aircraft.