What is the proper clearance format to switch runways during an approach?

What is the proper clearance format to switch runways during an approach?

• A. Await further instructions before changing runways.
• B. <Callsign>, switch to Runway <new>, Cleared to land/Takeoff as appropriate.
• C. Proceed to Runway <new> when you are ready.
• D. Hold until advised.

Answer: (B)

When you need to switch runways during an approach, you must give a clear, direct instruction that authorizes the change and then provide the final clearance for the new runway. The correct format does both: you tell the aircraft to switch to the new runway and then issue the clearance to land or takeoff on that runway. This makes the action unambiguous and ensures the pilot knows exactly which runway to use and what operation they’re cleared to perform on it. So, the proper phrase is: the callsign, switch to Runway <new>, Cleared to land/Takeoff as appropriate. The other options don’t provide that explicit authorization to switch runways or proper final clearance, which could lead to confusion or unsafe sequencing.

When you need to switch runways during an approach, you must give a clear, direct instruction that authorizes the change and then provide the final clearance for the new runway. The correct format does both: you tell the aircraft to switch to the new runway and then issue the clearance to land or takeoff on that runway. This makes the action unambiguous and ensures the pilot knows exactly which runway to use and what operation they’re cleared to perform on it.

So, the proper phrase is: the callsign, switch to Runway , Cleared to land/Takeoff as appropriate. The other options don’t provide that explicit authorization to switch runways or proper final clearance, which could lead to confusion or unsafe sequencing.