"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in

"Cub Driver" usenet AT danford DOT net wrote in message
...

All right, all right! I hear this all the time (well, I hear it
sometimes) at PSM nearby.

What does "cleared for the option" mean? Is it any whim on the part of
the pilot in the pattern, like a touch&go?

In other words, is it a way of saying "your request is approved"?


CLEARED FOR THE OPTION- ATC authorization for an aircraft to make a
touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop and go, or full stop
landing at the discretion of the pilot. It is normally used in training so
that an instructor can evaluate a student's performance under changing
situations.

And in conditions where the pilot is not certain that a landing can be
accomplished. (i.e. Strong crosswinds.)

moo