How to copy an IFR clearance: the CRAFT method
The first time you copy an IFR clearance it feels like ATC is reading you a phone number in a language you don’t speak. CRAFT is the shorthand instrument pilots use to catch all of it, in order, every time — so you’re filling in a form, not improvising.
What CRAFT stands for
Clearances always come in the same order: Cleared to, Route, Altitude, Frequency, Transponder. Because the order never changes, you can pre-draw five rows and fill them in as the controller talks. That structure is the whole trick — you are never wondering what comes next.
C — Cleared to
Your destination airport (or, sometimes, a closer clearance limit). Write the identifier. “Cleared to the Hilo airport” becomes a single line: PHTO.
R — Route
Usually “as filed” — just write AF and move on. If ATC amends it (“…via radar vectors Victor 12…”), copy the change exactly; that is the part that bites people, so slow down and get it verbatim.
A — Altitude
Almost always two parts: an initial altitude and an “expect” — “maintain three thousand, expect six thousand one zero minutes after departure.” Write both. Pilots routinely drop the “expect” and the time.
F — Frequency
The departure frequency you will contact after takeoff. Write the numbers; you will read them back and dial them in before you roll.
T — Transponder
Your squawk code, four digits. Set it as soon as you have read it back so you do not forget.
The shorthand in practice
Before you call clearance, draw the CRAFT grid on your kneeboard. Example fill: C: PHTO · R: AF · A: 3,000 / exp 6,000 / 10 min · F: 119.7 · T: 4271. Five lines, the whole clearance.
Reading it back
Read it back in the same order you copied it. The controller is listening for the altitude, frequency, and squawk especially — those are the ones they will correct you on. Same order every time means you never lose your place.
Drill it until it is automatic
Clearance copy is pure pattern recognition, and it is 100% drillable on the ground. Practice graded IFR clearances on Clearspar — free, and it flags exactly which line you dropped.
Practice these calls with instant grading — free.
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