Abflugfreigabe

Abflugfreigabe is a German aviation term that translates as "takeoff clearance" or "departure clearance." It denotes an official authorization from air traffic control (ATC) that permits an aircraft to commence its departure phase, which can include engine start, pushback, taxi, entering the runway, and the actual takeoff, depending on context and the specific clearance issued.

In practice the term covers several distinct clearances: ground or clearance delivery authorizations for startup, pushback and taxi; line-up or "hold short" instructions; and the final takeoff clearance issued by the tower controller. For instrument flight rules (IFR) flights the departure clearance typically includes route, initial altitude, transponder code and any departure procedures. The final runway clearance—commonly phrased in English as "cleared for takeoff"—explicitly allows the pilot to begin the takeoff roll.

Standard phraseology and procedures are defined by international and national aviation authorities to reduce ambiguity. Pilots are required to read back critical parts of a clearance, confirm understanding, and retain responsibility for safe operation. Conditional clearances, "line up and wait" instructions, or "cleared to the line" differ from a takeoff clearance and do not authorize departure.

Safety issues connected with Abflugfreigabe include runway incursions, misunderstood instructions, and inadequate situational awareness; these are mitigated by strict phraseology, co-ordinated ground/tower control, and pilot adherence to readback and go/no-go decision-making.