When an aircraft requests an immediate departure, which action is required?

• A. Issue the highest altitude available and route around SUA if necessary; advise R-side to clear back to filed routing when available.
• B. Deny the request and maintain current altitude.
• C. Wait for pilot to specify a preferred altitude.
• D. Issue the lowest altitude feasible and maintain current route.

Answer: (A)

When a pilot requests an immediate departure, you want to clear them out of the gate as quickly and smoothly as possible. The best clearance is to give the highest altitude currently available and, if needed, route around any restricted or special-use airspace (SUA) so the climb and exit are efficient and safe. Once feasible, you should also advise the radar side (R-side) to clear the aircraft back to its filed routing as soon as possible to integrate it into the standard flow. This approach minimizes delays and keeps traffic sequencing orderly.

Denying the request would defeat the purpose of an immediate departure, waiting for a preferred altitude introduces unnecessary delay, and issuing the lowest altitude would unnecessarily constrain the climb and could create conflicts.