Peter Grey wrote:That's what allows us to not issue the departure frequency as 4-2-1 would seem to indicate.
I respectfully disagree, here’s why:
Chapter 3 does not pertain to “issuing” the IFR clearance.
Chapter 3 is concerned with
Airport Traffic Control; the movement and operation of aircraft/vehicles/equipment/etc. on the airport surface/runway.
Further, under 3-9-3/a, the sub-heading is, “Before takeoff;” The airplane is at the end of the runway and ready to go. The flight crew has already received the IFR clearance
so the frequency would not be required, (unless a change has taken place.)
Chapter 4, IFR, (4-2-1) specifically refers to those items that
shall be included with an IFR clearance and the precise order in which they are delivered.
The word “issue,” as in, “Issue the following…” infers the action is mandatory. The order is standardized for efficiency and to eliminate confusion. Thus, most pilots copy the clearance using C-R-A-F-T. (A technique that has been used for decades.)
One will notice the paragraph also reads, “as appropriate.”
“As Appropriate” are those items which are not normally issued in a clearance, or those items/conditions that may have changed without the flight crews notice, (Unexpected holding, speed restrictions, WX, etc.)
But, “as appropriate” is not consent or permission for the controller to eliminate any items from the list; only those that do not apply.
One can read the list, a thru j, and readily see those items that are normally contained in an IFR clearance, and those that are not.
However, item “j” is very interesting, (and subtle.) It is the primary reason I think the frequency is always included.
Take a moment and read the alphabetically listed items, (except for “g:” exclusive to USAF.)
a. Aircraft Identification.
b. Clearance Limit.
c. Standard Instrument Departure.
d. Route of flight including PDR/PDAR/PAR when applied.
e. Altitude data in the order flown.
f. Mach number, if applicable.
g. excluded
h. Holding instructions.
I. Any special information
j. Frequency and beacon code information.
One will notice that all the items contained in a-I, are singular; that is, only one item per letter.
But “j” is the only one containing two items; frequency and beacon code.
Since a beacon code is always issued, and the beacon code is listed concurrently with the frequency, (by use of the word “and”,) I conclude the frequency is always issued.