Who is responsible for ensuring ATC clearances consider terrain clearance?

• A. ATC
• B. The aircraft operator
• C. The ATS reporting office accepting the flight plan
• D. The pilot-in-command

Answer: (D)

The pilot-in-command carries the final responsibility for the safety of the flight, including maintaining terrain clearance. While ATC issues the clearances, it’s the PIC who must ensure that every clearance keeps the aircraft clear of terrain and obstacles. If a clearance would not provide adequate terrain clearance, the PIC has the authority and duty to request a modification or to take other actions to maintain safety. This is why the PIC is considered responsible for ensuring that ATC clearances consider terrain clearance.

Administrative roles like the ATS reporting office accepting the flight plan or the operator overseeing dispatch, and ATC’s role in issuing clearances, do not transfer the duty to guarantee terrain clearance to them. The PIC has the ultimate accountability for safe operation in the cockpit.