The chain of control
Clearance delivery, ground, tower, approach and area control each own a phase of flight. Handoffs pass an aircraft along the chain, and each controller works to defined separation minima.
Separation
Typical radar separation is 5 nm laterally or 1,000 ft vertically. Wake turbulence categories add extra spacing behind heavy aircraft. Procedural separation in non-radar airspace uses time and position reports instead.
Clearances
A clearance is an authorisation, not an instruction to fly into unsafe conditions. Pilots read back the elements that matter: routing, altitude, squawk and runway. If in doubt, the correct call is 'say again'.
Key points
- Standard radar separation: 5 nm lateral or 1,000 ft vertical.
- Read back clearances that include altitude, routing or runway.
- The pilot in command remains responsible for the safety of the flight.
Knowledge check