Air Traffic Control (ATC) issues a clearance void time when an aircraft departs a non-towered airport under instrument flight rules (IFR). The clearance void time gives the pilot a deadline to get the private jet airborne before the clearance is voided, meaning the jet can no longer take off.

Clearance void times help ATC manage IFR departures at non-towered airports by providing separation between departures and arrivals when visibility is limited and pilots navigate using their aircraft’s instruments.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), clearance void times cannot exceed 30 minutes.

What happens if you take off without clearance?

If a private jet takes off at or after its clearance void time, or without clearance, there may be a loss of separation that puts the departing jet in dangerous proximity to an arriving jet. The pilot may also have their license suspended or revoked.

How early can you pick up IFR clearance?

It depends on how busy the non-towered airport is, but private jets can often get clearance 30 minutes prior to their intended departure time.

What is clearance limit in aviation?

A clearance limit is a location in which an aircraft is cleared to operate by ATC. This is often the landing airport, but can also be an intersection or waypoint, at which point the pilot contacts ATC to request further clearance or enters a holding pattern.

Do you have any questions about clearance void times or flying under instrument flight rules? Our expert private flight advisors are here to help you get to your destination safely. Call us at 888-593-9066 to learn more.