During departure clearances, which statement best describes point-out prerequisites?

• A. It can be made before radar identification.
• B. It cannot be made if the aircraft is airborne.
• C. It can be made only after the aircraft is radar-identified.
• D. It can be made whenever there is traffic.

Answer: (C)

Point-out coordination in departures hinges on positive radar identification. You can only issue a point-out after the aircraft has been radar-identified, because this guarantees the receiving controller can positively recognize the aircraft on their scope and provide proper separation. Issuing a point-out before identification would risk misidentifying the aircraft and potentially compromising safe operations. Therefore, the statement that it can be made only after radar identification is the correct description. It isn’t about mere traffic presence or about being airborne in general—identification is the essential prerequisite.