Cleared for the Option

AIM ¶ 4-3-23 — Cleared for the Option

AIM 4-3-23: Learn the Cleared for the Option procedure — touch-and-go, low approach, missed, stop-and-go, or full stop. Key training tool for pilots and CFIs.

In Plain English

The Cleared for the Option procedure gives an instructor, flight examiner, or pilot the choice to perform any of the following on a single approach:

Touch-and-go
Low approach
Missed approach
Stop-and-go
Full stop landing

This is a powerful training tool because the student or examinee doesn't know which maneuver will be required, so the instructor can evaluate reactions under changing conditions without having to break off an approach mid-procedure.

How to request it:

On an instrument approach, request the option passing the final approach fix inbound.
In a VFR traffic pattern, request it when entering downwind.

After ATC approves the option, inform ATC as soon as possible of any delay on the runway during a stop-and-go or full stop. This procedure is only available at airports with an operational control tower and is always subject to ATC approval. It adds flexibility and economy to training programs while preserving realistic decision-making scenarios.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 4-3-23

4-3-23. 4-3-23. Option Approach The “Cleared for the Option” procedure will permit an instructor, flight examiner or pilot the option to make a touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. This procedure can be very beneficial in a training situation in that neither the student pilot nor examinee would know what maneuver would be accomplished. The pilot should make a request for this procedure passing the final approach fix inbound on an instrument approach or entering downwind for a VFR traffic pattern. After ATC approval of the option, the pilot should inform ATC as soon as possible of any delay on the runway during their stop-and-go or full stop landing. The advantages of this procedure as a training aid are that it enables an instructor or examiner to obtain the reaction of a trainee or examinee under changing conditions, the pilot would not have to discontinue an approach in the middle of the procedure due to student error or pilot proficiency requirements, and finally it allows more flexibility and economy in training programs. This procedure will only be used at those locations with an operational control tower and will be subject to ATC approval.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What maneuvers may a pilot perform when 'Cleared for the Option'?

Per AIM 4-3-23, the pilot has the option to perform a touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing.

Q2When and where should you request the option, and what are the location requirements?

Per AIM 4-3-23, request the option passing the final approach fix inbound on an instrument approach, or when entering downwind in a VFR traffic pattern. It's only available at airports with an operational control tower and is subject to ATC approval.

Q3Why is the option approach beneficial as a training aid?

Per AIM 4-3-23, it lets an instructor or examiner observe the trainee's reaction under changing conditions, avoids having to discontinue an approach mid-procedure due to student error or proficiency requirements, and provides more flexibility and economy in training programs.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4

¶ 4-3-1

Airport Operations Safety

¶ 4-3-10

Intersection Takeoffs

¶ 4-3-11

LAHSO Pilot Responsibilities

¶ 4-3-12

Low Approach Procedures

¶ 4-3-13

ATC Light Gun Signals

¶ 4-3-14