Definition
An ATC authorization for a pilot to execute a specific published instrument approach procedure to an airport — for example, 'Cleared ILS Runway 36 Approach.' The clearance names the approach by type (ILS, RNAV, VOR, LOC, etc.) and the runway, and authorizes the pilot to fly that procedure as charted.
Plain English
Air traffic control is telling you exactly which instrument approach to fly, by name. You are approved to fly that specific procedure to that specific runway.
Context Anchor
Heard in radio calls from air traffic control, especially before taxiing, taking off, landing, entering a route, or beginning an approach.
Derivation
Cleared comes from clear, which traces back to Latin clarus, meaning bright, plain, or free from obstruction. In aviation, the useful idea is not that everything is physically empty or risk-free, but that the pilot has been given a clear authorization to proceed as stated.
Why Pilots Care
It establishes legal authorization and maintains safe separation from other aircraft.
Intuition Check
Cleared does not mean the area is guaranteed safe or empty. It means air traffic control has authorized a specific action under the stated conditions, and the pilot must still watch, listen, and comply carefully.
Example Sentence 1
Approach control transmitted, 'Cessna Three-Four-Alpha, cleared ILS Runway 27 approach,' and the pilot read back the clearance before intercepting the localizer.
Example Sentence 2
Approach cleared the flight to descend to 4,000 feet.