Definition
P-ACP is a data link service that delivers an ATC departure clearance to the flight crew electronically before pushback or taxi, typically via ACARS or a similar cockpit data link, instead of by voice over a Clearance Delivery frequency. The crew receives, reviews, and acknowledges the clearance through the aircraft's data link system.
Plain English
It is a way for pilots to receive their takeoff clearance from ATC as a printed or displayed text message in the cockpit, rather than hearing it spoken on the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA glossary material and ATC procedure discussions, especially where control responsibilities are shared between positions or facilities.
Derivation
The 'P' refers to 'Pre-Departure' and 'ACP' relates to the clearance procedure. The term grew out of efforts in the 1990s to reduce frequency congestion on Clearance Delivery channels by sending routine clearance text directly to the cockpit.
Why Pilots Care
Receiving a clearance by data link reduces readback errors, frees up the Clearance Delivery frequency, and gives the crew a written record of exactly what ATC issued — useful for cross-checking the flight plan and route.
Intuition Check
Do not read P-ACP as a pilot clearance or a special permission given to the aircraft. It is an internal ATC coordination method used by controllers under approved conditions.
Example Sentence 1
Before pushback, the first officer requested the P-ACP and printed the clearance from the ACARS unit.
Example Sentence 2
Crew resource management skills learned in P-ACP helped the team handle the unexpected weather change smoothly.