Which term describes the time at which a departing aircraft is permitted to depart to maintain separation from other traffic?

• A. Release time
• B. Clearance void time
• C. Hold for release
• D. SVFR clearance

Answer: (A)

The timing being described is when ATC authorizes a departing aircraft to go so that it can be separated from other traffic. That moment is known as release time. It’s the point at which the departure is cleared to begin taxiing or takeoff in a way that maintains proper spacing with arrivals, other departures, or crossing traffic.

Other terms refer to different concepts: clearance void time is the deadline that a previously issued clearance remains valid if the aircraft hasn’t taken off, hold for release is simply a holding instruction until the controller releases the aircraft, and SVFR clearance relates to operating under special VFR conditions in controlled airspace—neither directly about the moment a departure is allowed to depart to maintain separation.