Cleared To Land

Understanding Landing Clearances in Aviation

Cleared to Land

A clearance to land authorizes an aircraft to proceed to the runway and land.

Cleared to Land, Hold Short

Similar to a clearance to land, but the aircraft is instructed to stop short of the runway.

Cleared Touch-and-Go

Allows the aircraft to land, touch down, and take off again without coming to a complete stop.

Providing Landing Information

Air traffic controllers provide landing information to arriving aircraft, including:

• Runway in use
• Wind direction and speed
• Landing sequence
• Runway conditions

Types of Landing Clearances

1. Clearance to Land: Permits the aircraft to land on a specified runway.
2. Clearance to Land, Hold Short: Same as Clearance to Land, but the aircraft must stop before reaching the runway.
3. Clearance to Touch-and-Go: Allows the aircraft to land and take off again without stopping.
4. Clearance for Stop-and-Go: Similar to Touch-and-Go, but the aircraft must come to a complete stop before taking off again.
5. Clearance for Low Approach: Authorizes the aircraft to fly a low approach without landing.

Additional Considerations

• Aircraft cleared for touch-and-go, stop-and-go, or low approach are still considered arriving aircraft until they complete the maneuver.
• Clearances to land and taxi are given in due course.
• Light gun signals from the tower may also be used to provide landing guidance.