What is an example of a proper descent authorization phrasing?

• A. Descent to 130 is approved for N1234.
• B. N1234 descend to 130.
• C. Descend N1234 to 130 immediately.
• D. You may descend N1234 to 125.

Answer: (A)

In aviation phraseology, granting a descent is done as a clear permission to descend to a specified altitude for a specific aircraft. The wording should state the action, the target altitude, and identify the aircraft, so there’s no ambiguity about who’s being cleared and to what altitude.

Descent to 130 is approved for N1234 does exactly that: it names the action (descent), the target altitude (130, meaning 13,000 ft), and the aircraft (N1234), and it uses the approved/permission phrasing. This makes the clearance unambiguous and authoritative without telling the pilot to descend immediately or issuing a direct command.

The other options are less appropriate. They either issue a direct command (descend to 130) without stating that descent is approved, add timing words like immediately, or use awkward or nonstandard phrasing such as “You may descend,” which isn’t the typical way an ATC clearance is conveyed.