Which ACARS message type conveys Pre-Departure Clearance?

Which ACARS message type conveys Pre-Departure Clearance?

• A. Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC)
• B. Digital ATIS (D-ATIS)
• C. En route position
• D. Two-way Free text

Answer: (A)

The concept tested is delivering official clearance through an aircraft’s ACARS system using the message type specifically designed for that purpose. This Pre-Departure Clearance message carries ATC clearance details—route, initial altitude, speed, departure constraints, and other essential instructions—directly to the aircraft before taxi and takeoff, so the crew can load it into the flight plan or FMS. Digital ATIS provides weather and airport information but not a clearance, en route position is used for location reporting during flight, and two-way free text is a generic messaging option not tied to a formal pre-departure clearance.

The concept tested is delivering official clearance through an aircraft’s ACARS system using the message type specifically designed for that purpose. This Pre-Departure Clearance message carries ATC clearance details—route, initial altitude, speed, departure constraints, and other essential instructions—directly to the aircraft before taxi and takeoff, so the crew can load it into the flight plan or FMS. Digital ATIS provides weather and airport information but not a clearance, en route position is used for location reporting during flight, and two-way free text is a generic messaging option not tied to a formal pre-departure clearance.