Use of electronically-delivered route and departure clearances

Within the real-world NZZC, electronically-delivered departure clearances (DCL) are available at NZAA, NZWN, and NZCH instead of traditional voice via VHF/HF radio. DCL reduces frequency congestion and controller workload and eliminates read-back/hear-back errors. Aircraft must meet specific criteria for a DCL (real-world) in the NZZC.

A DCL is similar to the so-called "pre-departure clearance (PDC)", and the terms are interchangeable for VATSIM purposes. The main difference in the real world is that a PDC requires a CPDLC connection and is usually pushed automatically, whereas a DCL is manually requested via ACARS.

In VATSIM, and the vatSys controller client where PDC is integrated, the term "PDC" is used exclusively; therefore, this material does likewise.

Within VATSIM, a PDC may be issued to any aircraft that requests it. In addition, in VATNZ, a PDC may be pushed to an aircraft if:

An Air New Zealand aircraft, or
an international departure above FL250, or
the aircraft is a domestic departure flying a standard route.

The following elements are included in a PDC:

[callsign]
CLEARED [date/time] [destination]
PDC DCL1 CLEARED TO [destination] OFF [assigned runway] VIA [assigned SID]
SQUAWK [SSR code]
NEXT FREQ [frequency]
ATIS [ATIS identifier]
TRANSITION: SEE SID ROUTE: [route]
ALT: [altitude/flight level]

Example:

ANZ440

CLEARED 210300 NZAA

PDC DCL1 CLEARED TO NZAA OFF 16 VIA TAXUP5Q

SQUAWK 5062

NEXT FREQ 121.9

ATIS N

TRANSITION: SEE SID ROUTE: WNAA2

ALT: 310

A picture of its use in vatSys can be found below.

With successful PDC transmission, an 'S' or a right arrow is displayed in the aircraft's vatSys strip next to the altitude.

In New Zealand, pilots are not required to read back (i.e., repeat back) a PDC. Instead, pilots acknowledge receipt by squawking the correct transponder code.

A PDC is not taught as part of the training syllabus. However, controllers may avail themselves of the resource.