What does 'CLEARED AS FILED' imply?

• A. The aircraft may transition between all waypoints
• B. The aircraft is following its filed flight plan without changes
• C. The aircraft is requested to file a new flight plan
• D. The aircraft needs to hold at a specific fix

Answer: (B)

The phrase 'CLEARED AS FILED' indicates that the aircraft has been granted authorization to proceed according to its previously submitted flight plan, without any alterations. This means that the flight plan, including all the waypoints and route details filed by the pilot, is approved by air traffic control, allowing the aircraft to follow its intended path as specified in that plan.

When a pilot receives this clearance, they can expect to make their flight according to the anticipated route, which enhances operational efficiency and helps maintain orderly traffic flow in the airspace. The clearance implies that all necessary adjustments or instructions that would alter the originally filed plan are not necessary, signifying that the ATC is satisfied with the pilot’s planned route.