Obtaining an IFR Clearance: A Practical Guide Using the CRAFT Acronym

wifiCFI
Dec 18, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Before an IFR flight can begin, the pilot must receive and accept an IFR clearance from Air Traffic Control. This clearance is the authorization to operate under Instrument Flight Rules and is the foundation for safe separation, routing, and altitude assignments in the IFR system.

Whether you’re departing a busy Class C airport or a quiet non-towered field, the clearance process follows the same structure. Pilots use the acronym CRAFT to copy, understand, and verify IFR clearances accurately and efficiently.

This guide explains how to obtain an IFR clearance, how CRAFT applies, and what changes depending on whether you’re departing a controlled or uncontrolled airport.

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What Is an IFR Clearance?

An IFR clearance is an ATC authorization that specifies:

Where you are cleared to
How you will get there
What altitude you will fly
Which frequency to contact after departure
Which transponder code to use

You are not IFR until you:

Receive the clearance
Read back critical items
Accept the clearance

The CRAFT Acronym Explained

Pilots use CRAFT to copy IFR clearances in a standardized order:

C – Clearance limit
R – Route
A – Altitude
F – Frequency
T – Transponder code

This format ensures nothing critical is missed during a fast or complex clearance delivery.

IFR Clearance from a Controlled Airport

At towered airports, obtaining an IFR clearance is typically straightforward and highly structured.

Where to Get the Clearance

Depending on the airport, you may receive your clearance from:

Clearance Delivery
Ground Control
Tower (if no clearance delivery exists)
Remote Clearance Delivery (RCD) via phone or radio

When to Call

Call for your clearance:

After engine start (unless otherwise instructed)
Before taxi
When ready to copy (have pen and paper ready)

Example Clearance (Controlled Field)

“N123AB, cleared to the Dallas Love Field Airport via the WACO TWO departure, then as filed. Climb and maintain 3,000, expect 7,000 ten minutes after departure. Departure frequency 124.3. Squawk 4621.”

Breaking It Down with CRAFT

C – Clearance Limit: “Cleared to the Dallas Love Field Airport”

R – Route: “Via the WACO TWO departure, then as filed”

A – Altitude: “Climb and maintain 3,000, expect 7,000 ten minutes after departure”

F – Frequency: “Departure frequency 124.3”

T – Transponder: “Squawk 4621”

Readback Requirements

At a minimum, read back:

Clearance limit
Assigned altitude
Transponder code

A full readback is always good practice, especially for new IFR pilots.

IFR Clearance from an Uncontrolled Airport

Departing IFR from a non-towered airport requires additional planning and coordination, but the clearance itself still follows CRAFT.

Methods for Obtaining IFR Clearance at Uncontrolled Fields

1. Clearance via Telephone

The most common method is calling:

Flight Service or
Remote Clearance Delivery (RCD)

You receive your clearance before taxi and depart when ready.

2. Clearance via Radio on the Ground

If radio coverage exists:

Contact the overlying ATC facility
Receive your clearance while on the ground

This can be unreliable at low elevations or remote airports.

3. Clearance After VFR Departure (Pop-Up IFR)

If permitted by weather and airspace:

Depart VFR
Contact ATC airborne
Receive IFR clearance

This method requires caution and solid escape planning.

Clearance Components Unique to Uncontrolled Airports

Clearance Void Time

Often included to manage traffic:

“Clearance void if not off by 1430 Zulu.”

If you are not airborne by the void time:

Your clearance is canceled
You must contact ATC before departing

Release Time

Sometimes issued instead of a void time:

“Released for departure at 1415 Zulu.”

You may not depart before this time.

Hold for Release

ATC may issue the clearance but delay departure authorization:

“Hold for release. Expect departure in ten minutes.”

Example Clearance (Uncontrolled Field)

“N123AB, cleared to the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport as filed. Maintain 3,000, expect 6,000 ten minutes after departure. Departure frequency 125.1. Squawk 5214. Clearance void if not off by 1520 Zulu.”

CRAFT Breakdown

C – Cleared to Atlanta Hartsfield
R – As filed
A – Maintain 3,000, expect 6,000
F – 125.1
T – 5214
Plus: Clearance void time

What to Do After Receiving the Clearance

Before takeoff:

Review the clearance carefully
Verify the route matches expectations
Set the assigned altitude
Tune and brief the departure frequency
Enter the transponder code
Brief lost communications procedures

Common IFR Clearance Mistakes

Forgetting the assigned altitude
Missing a void time
Assuming “as filed” means “as planned”
Departing without an actual release
Failing to read back critical items

These errors can result in:

Loss of separation
ATC violations
Increased workload immediately after takeoff

Practical Tips for IFR Clearances

Write CRAFT vertically on your notepad
Always be ready to copy before calling
Ask ATC to “say again” if needed
Never rush a clearance readback
Brief the clearance before moving the airplane

Final Thoughts

An IFR clearance is your entry into the instrument system, and CRAFT is your roadmap for understanding and executing it correctly. Whether departing from a controlled airport or a quiet non-towered field, the structure remains the same—even if the procedures differ.

Mastering IFR clearances:

Reduces cockpit workload
Improves ATC communication
Enhances safety
Builds confidence as an instrument pilot

If you can confidently copy, understand, and brief a CRAFT clearance, you’re well on your way to becoming a proficient IFR pilot.

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