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AA.VI.C.R5FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

ATC instructions that modify an arrival or discontinue/resume the aircraft's lateral or...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

ATC instructions that modify an arrival or discontinue/resume the aircraft's lateral or vertical navigation on an arrival.

Bottom line

If ATC issues a heading assignment taking the aircraft off a procedure, the pilot should not modify the route in the RNAV system until a clearance is received to rejoin the procedure or the controller confirms a new route clearance. When a pilot is uncertain of an ATC clearance, that pilot shall immediately request clarification from ATC.

FAA references

  1. AFH ch. 2 (p. 2-19) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. 14 CFR 91.123 (Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  3. AC 90-100, para. 10b — AC No: 90-100A
  4. IFH ch. 2 (p. 2-4) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  5. IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-3) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  6. AC 90-100, para. 10d — AC No: 90-100A
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