3-9-10

Takeoff Clearance

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

When issuing a clearance for takeoff, first state the runway number followed by the takeoff clearance.
Phraseology

RUNWAY (number),CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.

Example

“RUNWAY TWO SEVEN, CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.”

Note

Turbine-powered aircraft may be considered ready for takeoff when they reach the runway unless they advise otherwise.

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 4-3-1, Departure Terminology.
When clearing an aircraft for takeoff from an intersection, state the runway intersection.
Phraseology

RUNWAY (number) AT (taxiway designator) CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.
When two or more aircraft call the tower ready for departure, one or more at the full length of a runway and one or more at an intersection, state the location of the aircraft at the full length of the runway when clearing that aircraft for takeoff.
Phraseology

RUNWAY (number), FULL LENGTH, CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.

Example

“American Four Eighty Two, Runway Three Zero full length, cleared for takeoff.”
The controller must ensure that all runways along the taxi route that lead to the departure runway are crossed before the takeoff clearance is issued, except as stated in paragraph 3-9-10 e.
FIG 3-9-21 Runway/Taxiway Proximity
At those airports where the airport configuration does not allow for an aircraft to completely cross one runway and hold short of the departure runway and/or where airports do not have runway hold markings between runways, state the runway to be crossed with the takeoff clearance if the aircraft is not able to complete a runway crossing before reaching its departure runway.
Phraseology

CROSS RUNWAY (number), RUNWAY (number) CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.

Example

“CROSS RUNWAY TWO FOUR LEFT, RUNWAY TWO FOUR RIGHT, CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.”

FIG 3-9-22 Runway/Taxiway Proximity

Reference

FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 10-3-10, Takeoff Clearance.
P/CG Term - Clear of the Runway.
Do not use the term “full length” when the runway length available for departure has been temporarily shortened. On permanently shortened runways, do not use the term “full length” until the Chart Supplement is updated to include the change(s).
Note

The use of the term “full length” could be interpreted by the pilot(s) as the available runway length prior to the runway being shortened.
Whenever a runway length has been temporarily or permanently shortened, state the word “shortened” immediately following the runway number as part of the takeoff clearance. This information must be issued in conjunction with the takeoff clearance.
1. The addition of “shortened” must be included in the takeoff clearance for the duration of the construction project when the runway is temporarily shortened.
2. The addition of “shortened” must be included in the takeoff clearance until the Chart Supplement is updated to include the change(s) when the runway is permanently shortened.
  Phraseology
  
  RUNWAY (number) SHORTENED, CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.
  
  Example
  
  “Runway Two-Seven shortened, cleared for takeoff.”
  
  Phraseology
  
  RUNWAY (number) AT (taxiway designator) INTERSECTION DEPARTURE SHORTENED, CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.
  
  Example
  
  “Runway Two-Seven at Juliett, intersection departure shortened, cleared for takeoff.”
  
  Reference
  
  FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 10-3-12, Airport Construction.
  FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 10-3-13, Change in Runway Length Due to Construction.
USAF. When an aircraft is cleared for takeoff, inform it of the closest traffic within 6 miles on final approach to the same runway. If the approaching aircraft is on a different frequency, inform it of the departing aircraft.
USA/USN/USAF. Issue surface wind and takeoff clearance to aircraft.
Phraseology

RUNWAY (number), WIND (surface wind in direction and velocity). CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.