Which phraseology is the official way to authorize an IFR flight-planned aircraft to depart VFR?

• A. Seneca Four Five Hotel, VFR departure authorized. Contact academy departure on one two zero pointe two at Tulsa VORTAC for clearance.
• B. VFR departure authorized. Contact the departure frequency.
• C. IFR flight plan approved for VFR takeoff.
• D. Clear to depart VFR on the next available slot.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to issue a clear, standard phraseology that identifies the aircraft and explicitly authorizes a VFR departure, while also directing the pilot to the appropriate frequency for the next clearance. When you say the aircraft’s exact call sign followed by “VFR departure authorized,” you confirm who is being cleared and that they may depart under VFR. Then giving the handoff to the departure controller with the frequency completes the instruction so the pilot knows where to contact for further clearance or instructions.

That exact pattern is why the provided phrasing is correct: it starts with the aircraft’s call sign, includes the explicit authorization to depart VFR, and then directs the pilot to contact the specified departure frequency for clearance. This leaves no ambiguity about who is cleared, what type of departure is allowed, and where to go next.

Other options fall short because they omit essential parts or use nonstandard wording. One option lacks the aircraft’s call sign and a complete handoff. Another suggests IFR flight plan approval for a VFR takeoff, which isn’t how a VFR departure is authorized. The last option uses “on the next available slot,” which isn’t a standard way to authorize VFR departures.