IFR Taxi Clearance

AIM ¶ 5-2-4 — IFR Taxi Clearance

AIM 5-2-4 explains IFR taxi clearance procedures: contact ground or clearance delivery before engine start for engine start time and taxi info.

In Plain English

AIM 5-2-4 addresses how IFR pilots should obtain taxi clearance before departure. The recommended practice is straightforward: before you start your engines, contact the control tower on the appropriate ground control or clearance delivery frequency.

Doing this before engine start lets ATC provide you with:

Engine start time (useful when there are flow control or wheels-up time restrictions)
Taxi instructions
IFR clearance information

Why it matters operationally: Calling before engine start saves fuel, reduces ramp congestion, and avoids running engines while you wait on a delayed clearance or release. At busier IFR airports, controllers may issue a Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) or hold you for traffic flow management — knowing that before you spool up keeps your operation efficient and professional.

Note that this paragraph is informational guidance, not a regulatory mandate, but it reflects standard practice expected by ATC and DPEs.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-2-4

5-2-4. 5-2-4. Taxi Clearance Pilots on IFR flight plans should communicate with the control tower on the appropriate ground control or clearance delivery frequency prior to starting engines, to receive engine start time, taxi, and/or clearance information.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1When should an IFR pilot contact the tower for taxi clearance?

Per AIM 5-2-4, pilots on IFR flight plans should communicate with the control tower on the appropriate ground control or clearance delivery frequency prior to starting engines.

Q2What information might ATC provide when you call before engine start on an IFR flight?

Per AIM 5-2-4, ATC may provide engine start time, taxi instructions, and/or clearance information.

Q3Which frequencies does AIM 5-2-4 reference for obtaining IFR taxi and clearance information?

Per AIM 5-2-4, pilots should use the appropriate ground control or clearance delivery frequency to communicate with the control tower.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-2-1

Pre-Taxi Clearance Procedures

¶ 5-2-2

Pre-Departure Clearance Procedures

¶ 5-2-3

IFR Clearance Uncontrolled Airports

¶ 5-2-5