FAA Debuts New Tool for Digital Departure Clearances

The FAA is moving forward with the development and rollout of a new digital tool that will allow general and business aviation pilots to request departure clearances through approved flight applications instead of via radio.

FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau unveiled the new system, known as “Mobile Clearance,” during a presentation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on Thursday. The agency said the tool is part of its ongoing effort to modernize communications between pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs), with the ultimate aim of improving safety and efficiency.