Use of electronically-delivered route and departure clearances

Digital clearances (DCL) are replacing traditional voice to reduce frequency congestion, controller workload, and read-back/hear-back errors. They are available for IFR route clearances at NZAA, NZTG, NZWN, NZCH, and NZQN. More aerodromes are being configured for DCL constantly, so check SOP for the latest inclusions. 

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. VATSIM aircraft are not required to be equipped with CPDLC/ACARS to receive DCL; it will be displayed in the pilot client, not the aircraft display.

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

A PDC will usually be sent without it being requested if the DEL controller is using vatSys. EuroScope users may also use PDC via an alias, which is beyond the scope of these notes.

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 ATVEV2Q

SQUAWK 5062

NEXT FREQ 121.9

ATIS N

TRANSITION: SEE SID ROUTE: Y127 OPABI Q277

ALT: 310

Note: "TRANSITION: SEE SID" means for the pilot to check that their first enroute waypoint, in this case KAPTI on route Y127, has a SID transition to KAPTI. If so, then that is the transition. If not, then either controller- or pilot- initiated voice communication will be required to rectify the anomaly.

A successful PDC transmission displays an 'S' or a right arrow in the aircraft's vatSys strip next to the altitude.

In New Zealand, pilots are not required to read 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 use the resource.

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