Definition
An ATC phrase used in a clearance or holding instruction telling the pilot the specific clock time at which they can expect to be cleared to a stated altitude. It is an advisory of an anticipated future clearance, not a current authorization to change altitude.
Plain English
Controllers are telling you the time when they expect to clear you to a new altitude. Until that time, or until they say so on the radio, you stay at your current altitude.
Context Anchor
You may hear this in an ATC clearance, especially when ATC is giving you planning information for a later climb or descent.
Derivation
“Expect” comes from a Latin idea meaning “to look out for” or “wait for.” That helps here: the altitude is something to watch for later, not something you are automatically allowed to do now.
Why Pilots Care
It lets the pilot set the right climb or descent rate and supports safe traffic separation.
Intuition Check
Do not hear “expect” as “approved.” “Expect 8,000 at 15 minutes” means plan for 8,000 at that time; it does not mean climb or descend to 8,000 now.
Example Sentence 1
ATC instructed, "Hold east of CHEROKEE intersection, expect 9,000 at 1825," so the pilot stayed at 7,000 until further clearance.
Example Sentence 2
During the descent the controller said expect five thousand feet at the top of the hour.