Garmin is preparing to release a Mobile Clearance Delivery that gives Garmin Pilot Premium subscribers on iOS devices a more seamless way to obtain and cancel IFR clearances at select airports within the US. Integrated into the new Flights page in Garmin Pilot, it will help pilots reduce radio or phone communications with air traffic control, view textual clearances and move more efficiently from planning to departure.

“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,” says Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president aviation sales, marketing, programme and support.

For many instrument pilots, obtaining an IFR clearance typically requires contacting ATC by radio or phone, particularly at airports where Pre-Departure Clearance or Data Comm services are not available. Mobile Clearance Delivery streamlines that process by allowing Garmin Pilot Premium users to receive clearances electronically on the ground, helping reduce frequency congestion, minimise readback errors and improve efficiency for pilots and controllers alike.

After filing an IFR flight plan in Garmin Pilot, users operating from a Mobile Clearance Delivery-capable airport will see the feature appear in the Flights page within 30 minutes of departure. Pilots can start a Mobile Clearance Delivery session, receive their clearance from ATC, review it in the app and accept it with a ‘WILCO’ response. Once accepted, the cleared route can be seamlessly overlaid on the Garmin Pilot map, and when properly equipped, may be sent to compatible avionics via Connext.

The clearance remains available for review in Garmin Pilot, giving pilots a text-based reference that can help improve clarity throughout the flight. Before take off, the clearance is accessible from the Flights page and through a banner that persists across the app; after departure, pilots can continue to reference the clearance from the Flights page for 48 hours.

A future enhancement will allow Garmin Pilot users to cancel IFR directly in the app after landing at airports that support Mobile Clearance Delivery. This capability is especially useful at uncontrolled airports or Class D towered airports when the tower is closed, helping pilots avoid additional radio or phone calls while allowing other IFR operations to move more efficiently.

Garmin developed Mobile Clearance Delivery in collaboration with the FAA and MITRE and the feature is still in its operational test and evaluation phase. Available in a limited capacity now, the feature will be rolled out nationwide in phases through 2028. Five airports are currently operational for testing and evaluation, including 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).