Definition
A term used by ATC instructing a pilot to act quickly, when prompt compliance is required to avoid the development of an imminent situation. Expedite climb/descent normally indicates to a pilot that the approximate best rate of climb/descent should be used without requiring an exceptional change in aircraft handling characteristics.
Plain English
When ATC says 'expedite,' they need you to do something faster than normal because timing matters. For a climb or descent, it means use roughly your best rate, but don't push the aircraft into anything unusual or aggressive.
Context Anchor
You will hear this in radio instructions from air traffic control, often during runway crossings, departures, climbs, descents, or situations where other traffic is nearby.
Derivation
From the Latin 'expedire,' meaning 'to free the feet' or 'set free from a snare' — literally to remove obstacles so movement can happen quickly. In ATC use, the controller is asking you to clear the situation by acting promptly.
Why Pilots Care
Following an expedite instruction directly affects aircraft separation from other traffic and can reduce the time spent in busy airspace.
Intuition Check
Expedite does not mean “rush no matter what,” and it does not mean “when convenient.” It means act without delay while staying within aircraft limits and safe pilot judgment.
Example Sentence 1
Tower instructed us to expedite our crossing of Runway 27 because of an aircraft on short final.
Example Sentence 2
When instructed to expedite the descent, the pilot increased the rate to 2000 feet per minute.