If you don’t get cleared to your destination, make sure you get an expected further clearance time and route - in case of loss of communications…
You may not get that right away if you are more than 5 minutes from the Fix. Here are ATC's rules on this;
4. When delay is expected, issue items in subparagraphs a and b at least 5 minutes before the aircraft is
estimated to reach the clearance limit. If the traffic situation requires holding an aircraft that is less than 5 minutes
from the holding fix, issue these items immediately.
NOTE−
1. The AIM indicates that pilots should start speed reduction when 3 minutes or less from the holding fix. The additional
2 minutes contained in the 5-minute requirement are necessary to compensate for different pilot/controller ETAS at the
holding fix, minor differences in clock times, and provision for sufficient planning and reaction times.
2. When holding is necessary, the phrase “delay indefinite” should be used when an accurate estimate of the delay time
and the reason for the delay cannot immediately be determined; i.e., disabled aircraft on the runway, terminal or center
sector saturation, weather below landing minimums, etc. In any event, every attempt should be made to provide the pilot
with the best possible estimate of his/her delay time and the reason for the delay. Controllers/supervisors should consult,
as appropriate, with personnel (other sectors, weather forecasters, the airport management, other facilities, etc.) who can
best provide this information.
PHRASEOLOGY−
DELAY INDEFINITE, (reason if known), EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE (time). (After determining the reason for the delay, advise the pilot as soon as possible.)
EXAMPLE−
“Cleared to Drewe, hold west, as published, expect further clearance via direct Sidney V−O−R one three one five, anticipate additional two zero minute delay at Woody.”
“Cleared to Aston, hold west on Victor two twenty-five, seven mile leg, left turns, expect further clearance one niner two zero, anticipate additional one five minute terminal delay.”
“Cleared to Wayne, no delay expected.”
“Cleared to Wally, hold north, as published, delay indefinite, snow removal in progress, expect further clearance one one three zero.”
4−6−2. CLEARANCE BEYOND FIX
a. If no delay is expected, issue a clearance beyond the clearance limit as soon as possible and, whenever possible, at least 5 minutes before the aircraft reaches the fix.
b. Include the following items when issuing clearance beyond a clearance limit:
1. Clearance limit or approach clearance.
2. Route of flight. Specify one of the following:
(a) Complete details of the route (airway, route, course, fix(es), azimuth course, heading, arc, or vector.)
(b) The phrase “via last routing cleared.” Use this phrase only when the most recently issued routing to the new clearance limit is valid and verbiage will be reduced.
PHRASEOLOGY−
VIA LAST ROUTING CLEARED.
