Chapter 6. Clearances

General

All flights planned at or above FL060 in oceanic CTAs are required to obtain an IFR clearance prior to leaving the CTA floor, which generally starts at FL055. Additionally, all operations in the Sondrestrom and Reykjavik FIRs above FL195 must be on IFR flight plans. It is important to note that the airspace over Southern Greenland (South of 63°30'N) above FL195 is controlled by Gander OAC. Therefore, clearance is required from Gander OAC prior to descent into the Sondestrom FIR below FL195 in this airspace. Clearance can be obtained through Gander IFSS, or if unable, through Sondestrom.

When operating on an IFR clearance, any change of altitude or true airspeed greater than 5 percent requires re-clearance from ATC. Clearances for VMC climb or descent will not be granted.

Pilots are required to obtain a clearance from the ATS unit responsible for their area of operation and to follow the procedures specified in appropriate AIPs. Where possible, clearance to enter controlled airspace should be obtained prior to take-off, as communication problems are often encountered at low altitudes.

Obtaining a Clearance

Canada--

Oceanic clearances for eastbound IGA NAT flights, departing from Eastern Canada, are obtained from the control tower or the flight service station at the aerodrome of departure prior to departure.

Eastbound IGA NAT over-flights obtain their oceanic clearance directly from Gander ACC, Moncton ACC, or Montreal ACC, or through a flight service station, depending on the route of flight.

United Kingdom/Ireland--

At some airports situated close to oceanic boundaries, the oceanic clearance can be obtained before departure e.g. Prestwick, Shannon, Glasgow, Dublin. Westbound aircraft operating within the UK FIR should request oceanic clearance from Shanwick Oceanic on VHF at least 30 minutes before point of entry. Aircraft unable to get clearance on VHF should request clearance on NARTEL HF (North Atlantic Enroute HF RTL Network). Aircraft unable to contact Shanwick, as detailed above, should request the ATC authority for the airspace in which they are operating to relay their request for oceanic clearance to Shanwick. Flights planned to enter the Reykjavik OCA from the Scottish FIR east of 10°W, should request oceanic clearance from the appropriate Scottish domestic sector.

United States--

Prior to entering oceanic airspace you must receive a specific oceanic clearance, detailing the oceanic entry point, route, landfall (or oceanic exit point), and airways to destination. This clearance will be issued by the ATC unit responsible for providing air traffic service in the airspace abutting the oceanic area. If you do not receive an oceanic clearance approaching the oceanic entry fix, REQUEST ONE.

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