Definition
An approach requested and conducted by a pilot which will result in either a touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach, stop-and-go, or full-stop landing. The pilot must request the option approach from ATC, and the controller's clearance authorizes any of those manoeuvres at the pilot's discretion.
Plain English
A single approach where the pilot is allowed to choose, at the last moment, what kind of landing or go-around to perform. ATC has cleared them to do whichever one they want.
Context Anchor
Heard in radio work with a control tower, especially during student pilot training: “cleared for the option.”
Derivation
From 'option,' meaning a choice among alternatives. The name reflects exactly what is granted: the pilot's option to pick how the approach ends.
Why Pilots Care
It supports efficient training by allowing multiple maneuvers without needing separate clearances each time.
Intuition Check
“Option” does not mean the pilot can do anything they want. It means the pilot may choose from the specific runway actions allowed by the option clearance.
Example Sentence 1
Cessna Three-Four-Alpha requested the option, and the tower cleared them for the option on runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
Cleared for the option, the instructor decided to make a full stop landing instead.