Sitting in Limbo

Air traffic control has its challenges. Thats obvious when we controllers are working heavy traffic that tests our planning, reflexes, and intestinal fortitude. However, even off position, were sometimes put on the spot about our aviation knowledge.

tkarmer

Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots on an IFR flight plan must receive an explicit approach clearance (e.g., "cleared visual approach") before commencing the approach, even if all other elements like vectors, airport/traffic in sight, and a frequency change to Tower have been provided.
It is the pilot's responsibility to request an amended or missing clearance if an ATC instruction (or lack thereof) would cause a deviation from regulations or compromise safety.
If told to contact Tower without an approach clearance, the pilot should maintain their last assigned vectors/altitude and immediately inform Tower that no approach clearance was received.
Prioritize safety: if a safe approach from the current position becomes difficult due to a missing clearance or delay, the pilot should communicate this to ATC and request maneuvers or a go-around/missed approach.

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Air traffic control has its challenges. That’s obvious when we controllers are working heavy traffic that tests our planning, reflexes, and intestinal fortitude. However, even off position, we’re sometimes put on the spot about our aviation knowledge.

And so it was the other day when a pilot friend called me out of the blue with an ATC question. I like fielding questions from pilots. They make me dig deep into my understanding of our rules and procedures. It’s always worthwhile to challenge any previously held assumptions and revisit exactly what the regulations say.