Garmin has introduced a new Mobile Clearance Delivery feature in the Garmin Pilot app, allowing pilots to obtain IFR clearances electronically before departure from selected airports in the United States. Developed in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and MITRE, the feature is currently undergoing operational testing and evaluation.

Mobile Clearance Delivery is available to Garmin Pilot Premium subscribers using iOS devices. Integrated into the app’s new Flights page, the feature is designed to simplify the IFR clearance process for general and business aviation pilots, reduce the need for radio or telephone communication and streamline the transition from flight planning to departure.

At airports where Pre-Departure Clearance or Data Comm services are not available, pilots typically have to contact air traffic control by radio or telephone to obtain an IFR clearance. Garmin’s solution allows the clearance to be received in written form within the app, helping reduce frequency congestion, minimise readback errors and lower the workload for both pilots and controllers.

“Mobile Clearance Delivery is another example of how Garmin continues to integrate the planning and flying experience in ways that are meaningful to pilots. By bringing clearance delivery directly into Garmin Pilot, we’re helping reduce workload, improve clarity and save valuable time for both pilots and air traffic control,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales, Marketing, Programs and Support.

After filing an IFR flight plan in Garmin Pilot, users departing from a Mobile Clearance Delivery-capable airport will see the feature appear on the Flights page within 30 minutes of departure. Pilots can then start a session, receive the clearance from air traffic control, review it in the app and accept it with a “WILCO” response.

Once accepted, the cleared route can be overlaid on the Garmin Pilot map. In suitably equipped aircraft, it can also be transferred to compatible avionics through Garmin’s Connext system.

The clearance remains available for later review, providing pilots with a written reference and reducing the risk of misunderstanding instructions. Before take-off, it can be accessed from the Flights page and through a persistent banner displayed across the app. After departure, the clearance remains available on the Flights page for 48 hours.

Garmin has also announced a future enhancement that will allow pilots to cancel an IFR flight plan directly within the app after landing at airports supporting Mobile Clearance Delivery. The capability is expected to be particularly useful at uncontrolled airports and Class D airports when the control tower is closed, where pilots would otherwise need to cancel IFR by radio or telephone.

The feature is currently available on a limited basis, with Garmin, the FAA and MITRE planning a phased nationwide rollout through 2028.

Five airports are currently participating in operational testing and evaluation: New Century AirCenter (KIXD), Garmin’s home airport near its headquarters in Olathe, Kansas; Hooks Field (KDWH); Sugar Land Regional Airport (KSGR); Galveston Scholes International Airport (KGLS); and Appleton International Airport (KATW).