Definition
An IFR clearance instruction telling a pilot that their departure clearance is issued but cannot be acted upon yet. The aircraft must remain on the ground until ATC issues a release time or specific additional instructions. Hold for Release is typically used to manage traffic flow, weather, separation between IFR aircraft in non-radar environments, or other operational constraints.
Plain English
ATC has given you your IFR clearance, but you are not allowed to take off yet. You must wait on the ground until they tell you it's okay to go.
Context Anchor
Heard in departure clearances, especially when ATC needs to control the timing of an IFR departure.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents conflicts with other traffic and lets ATC manage departure flow safely and efficiently.
Analogy
It is like being given your lane assignment before a race, but still having to wait for the starter to say go.
Intuition Check
Do not assume that having the clearance means you may depart when ready. Hold for Release means the clearance is not usable for departure until ATC specifically releases you.
Example Sentence 1
Clearance delivery read back the IFR routing and added, 'Hold for release,' so the pilot taxied to the runway and waited for the release time before taking off.
Example Sentence 2
After ten minutes the tower issued the release and the pilot taxied onto the runway for departure.