Clearance Limit

A clearance limit is the fix, point, or location to which an aircraft is cleared under an ATC clearance. The aircraft may not proceed beyond the clearance limit without further clearance from ATC. In an en route IFR clearance, the clearance limit is typically the destination aerodrome.

Reaching the Clearance Limit

If an aircraft arrives at its clearance limit without receiving a further clearance (or approach clearance), it must hold at the clearance limit and attempt to contact ATC. If radio communication cannot be established, the pilot applies IFR lost communications procedures as specified in CARs and the TC AIM.

Expect Further Clearance (EFC)

ATC may issue an Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time — the time at which the pilot should expect to receive an onward clearance. If radio communication is lost before the EFC time arrives, the pilot leaves the hold at the EFC time and proceeds to destination using the filed route.

Related Terms

See also: ATC Clearance, Expected Further Clearance Time, Holding.