In article ,
says...


Huh?


"Cleared for the option" is used in pattern work, not in emergencies or
delicate situations. If you are in an emergency, or you have given the
controller any indication that your landing may not be a sure thing, they will
not say "Cleared for the option". They will most likely move other traffic out
of your way, and clear you to the runway of your choice and watch you very
closely, one hand on the phone. Besides that, if you're really worried that
you cannot get it down safely, are you really going to want to land and take
off again?

GF