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From AIN ForeFlight Users Tap Pre-departure Clearances ForeFlight Mobile app users can now receive pre-departure clearances (PDC) and digital-automated terminal information service (D-ATIS) messages via text and email via a partnership with Satcom Direct. PDCs are available at more than 70 airports in North America, and once signed up for the ForeFlight service, pilots can receive D-ATIS and PDC messages 30 minutes or sooner before departure time. “PDCs are official text clearances issued for U.S. IFR flight plans, and include the filed route, the cleared altitude, transponder code, departure frequency, and any special instructions,” according to ForeFlight. Using the PDC service eliminates the need for pilots to contact clearance delivery via radio. However, for clearance changes, pilots do need to contact clearance delivery. There are some limitations to the new PDC service. Aircraft can currently receive a PDC at a particular airport only once every 18 hours. And aircraft can’t be signed up for PDC services from multiple service providers. ForeFlight users can use the app’s route advisor to help choose routing that is likely to be cleared as filed, as PDC clearances are only for as-filed routes. If ATC chooses different routing, then the pilot won’t receive a PDC but will get an expected route notification. The number of PDC-capable airports is growing and includes Teterboro, Westchester County, Burbank, Chicago Midway, and John Wayne Orange County.