Expedite

Expedite is an ATC instruction meaning to proceed at the best possible speed consistent with safety. When ATC says “expedite,” the pilot should increase speed and/or rate of climb/descent to the maximum that conditions, regulations, and aircraft performance allow. It does not authorize exceeding published speed limits or safety margins.

Common Usage

ATC uses expedite to: clear a runway quickly for arriving or departing traffic, speed a climb or descent to avoid traffic conflicts, reduce delays in a busy terminal environment. The pilot should respond promptly and confirm the instruction with a readback. If expediting is not possible (weather, passengers, aircraft limits), the pilot must advise ATC immediately.

Related Terms

See also: ATC Instruction, Readback.