What “cleared for the option” means (and how to read it back)
New students hear “cleared for the option” and freeze, because it is not one of the clearances they studied. It is actually one of the most useful calls in primary training.
What “the option” is
It clears you to do any of several maneuvers on the approach: a touch-and-go, a stop-and-go, a low approach, a go-around, or a full-stop landing. You choose which one, in the air.
Why instructors request it
With the option, your CFI can have you fly a touch-and-go, then switch to a full stop, without asking the tower for a new clearance each time. It keeps the lesson flexible.
How to request it
“Tower, Cessna One Two Three Four Five, request the option.” You usually ask for it when you check in inbound or as you turn downwind.
The readback
“Cleared for the option, Cessna One Two Three Four Five.” That is the whole read-back — you do not have to tell the tower which maneuver you are going to pick.
The maneuvers it covers
Touch-and-go (land and take off without stopping), stop-and-go (land, come to a stop, then depart), low approach (fly the runway without touching down), and a full-stop landing. The option includes them all.
Stay predictable
Even though you can choose, do not surprise the tower. If traffic is tight they may restrict you — “option approved, full stop” — and you read back the restriction.
Drill it
Practice the option request and read-back on Clearspar so it is one less thing you are decoding in the pattern. Free, no mic.
Practice these calls with instant grading — free.
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