When aircraft elect to take a delay on the ground, issue departure clearances in the order _____________

• A. In which requests for clearance were originally made, if practicable
• B. In the order they become available for departure
• C. In the order of runway utilization
• D. In the sequence of aircraft types

Answer: (B)

Departure sequencing is based on readiness. When aircraft are delayed on the ground, the controller hands out the next departure clearance to the airplane that is ready to depart first, in the order they become available for departure. This first-come, first-served approach keeps the flow predictable and efficient, prevents unnecessary holds, and helps maintain safe separation and runway utilization. It avoids prioritizing by who requested first, by runway usage, or by aircraft type, all of which could disrupt throughput and fairness. Of course, the controller still ensures proper separation and wake turbulence spacing as each aircraft moves through the departure sequence.