The phraseology to clear an aircraft for takeoff is which?

• A. Takeoff Approved
• B. Line Up and Wait
• C. Cleared for Takeoff
• D. Cleared for Taxi

Answer: (C)

Cleared for takeoff is the standard ATC phrase used to grant permission to begin the takeoff roll. It explicitly communicates that the runway is in use for your departure and that you may execute the takeoff. The other phrases cover different steps: line up and wait tells you to position on the runway and hold, not takeoff yet; cleared for taxi means you’re allowed to move on the taxiway or onto the runway area but still not cleared for takeoff; and takeoff approved is not formal aviation phraseology and can be ambiguous. So the explicit takeoff clearance you’ll hear and respond to is “Cleared for takeoff.”