Clearance Delivery Tips

What is Clearance Delivery?  Aircraft flying by instrument rules have to file flight plans, and those flight plans are subject to approval and alteration by the FAA. Plans are filed initially with an FAA Flight Service Station. After being altered as necessary and approved, the final flight plan is then 'delivered' by radio to the pilot as the aircraft waits to taxi.

What Can I Gain from Listening In?  The great thing about listening in to Clearance Delivery is that it tells you the destination of the aircraft as well as the exact route that it will use to get there.

Finding the Clearance Delivery Frequency:  Again, most NOAA aeronautical charts, approach plates, etc. will list this frequency. If you need to search, try the ranges of 118.000-121.975, 123.625-128.825, and 132.025-136.975. Also remember that Clearance Delivery is often simulcast with Ground Control, so you can look there as well.

Other Clearance Delivery Tips:

At some uncontrolled airports, there will be a clearance delivery frequency that is tied in with a larger airport nearby. When not handling Clearance Delivery traffic, this frequency will often simulcast the larger airport's Approach/Departure Control frequency. These are not listed on the Sectional Aeronautical Charts, but can be found on approach plates, low altitude enroute charts, and the Airport/Facility Directory. If you need to search, use the same ranges as above. If you hear what sounds like approach control, but no aircraft are replying, you've probably found it.

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