IR.III.AFAA-S-ACS-8C · Nov 2023
Compliance with Air Traffic Control Clearances
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with ATC clearances and procedures while operating solely by reference to instruments.
Bottom line
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with ATC clearances and procedures while operating solely by reference to instruments.
FAA references
- 14 CFR 91.123 (Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- IPH ch. 1 (p. 1-43) — FAA-H-8083-16B
Knowledge
- IR.III.A.K1: Elements and procedures related to ATC clearances and pilot/controller responsibilities for departure, en route, and arrival phases of fligh
- IR.III.A.K2: Pilot-in-Command (PIC) emergency authority.
- IR.III.A.K3: Lost communication procedures and procedures for flights outside of radar environments.
Risk management
- IR.III.A.R1: Less than full understanding of an ATC clearance.
- IR.III.A.R2: Inappropriate, incomplete, or incorrect ATC clearances.
- IR.III.A.R3: ATC clearance inconsistent with aircraft performance or navigation capability.
- IR.III.A.R4: ATC clearance intended for other aircraft with similar call signs.
Skills
- IR.III.A.S1: Correctly copy, read back, interpret, and comply with simulated or actual ATC clearances in a timely manner using standard phraseology as pr
- IR.III.A.S2: Correctly set communication frequencies, navigation systems (identifying when appropriate), and transponder codes in compliance with the ATC
- IR.III.A.S3: Use the current and appropriate paper or electronic navigation publications.
- IR.III.A.S4: Intercept all courses, radials, and bearings appropriate to the procedure, route, or clearance in a timely manner.
- IR.III.A.S5: Maintain the applicable airspeed ±10 knots, headings ±10°, altitude ±100 feet; track a course, radial, or bearing within ¾-scale deflection
- IR.III.A.S6: Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
- IR.III.A.S7: Perform the appropriate checklist items relative to the phase of flight.
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