Which times must be updated before expiration?

• A. ETD, EFC times
• B. Times need not be updated
• C. EDCT, EDC and EFC times
• D. EFC and EDCT times only

Answer: (C)

In departure coordination, the timing fields that govern when a flight will receive clearance and how it fits into the departure sequence must stay current to keep the plan valid. The three times that must be updated before expiration are the estimated departure clearance time (EDCT), the estimated departure clearance (EDC) time, and the expected further clearance (EFC) time. EDCT is the time you expect to be cleared to depart. EDC is the estimated moment when that clearance will be issued. EFC is the time you expect you’ll need another clearance due to evolving conditions like holds or further sequencing. If any of these advance toward expiration without an update, the flight’s clearance window can become invalid, risking mis-sequencing or the need to replan. Updating all three ensures the departure plan remains accurate and controllable. Updating only ETD or only one of the times wouldn’t cover the full clearance and sequencing window, which is why those options aren’t correct.