What is an Expected Departure Clearance Time (EDCT)?

An Expected Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) is specifically the time given to pilots by Air Traffic Control (ATC) indicating when they can expect to receive their takeoff clearance under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This is particularly important during periods of heavy traffic or when the flow of air traffic needs to be managed carefully, such as when there are delays due to weather or traffic congestion.

The EDCT helps pilots plan their operations by providing a timeline for when they can expect to begin their flight, ensuring that they are ready to depart at the designated time while maintaining safety and efficiency in the airspace system.

Other options do not accurately reflect the definition of an EDCT. For instance, the timeframe for starting taxiing (first option) occurs prior to the final takeoff clearance, while the clearance of the aircraft to fly under IFR (third option) generally involves providing an overall flight plan rather than an expected specific time for takeoff. Therefore, the most accurate choice is that the EDCT refers to the expected time for takeoff clearance under IFR.