Which term describes a condition where ATC may delay a departure until released?

• A. Clearance void
• B. Release time
• C. Hold for release (HFR)
• D. SVFR condition

Answer: (C)

ATC uses a hold-for-release instruction to control when a departure can begin. When this clearance is given, the aircraft must hold at the designated point (often on the ground or short of the runway) and not depart until the controller releases it. The release is issued to maintain proper sequencing with other traffic and to ensure the runway and airspace are ready for the departure. This directly describes delaying a departure until ATC says it’s okay to proceed, which is exactly what “hold for release” conveys.

Other options refer to different ideas: a clearance void means the current clearance becomes invalid after a certain time if not executed, not about waiting for a release; release time is a scheduled moment to release but doesn’t inherently describe holding for a release; SVFR conditions relate to weather rules, not departure release procedures.