Final answer:
Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) is the estimated time at which an aircraft can expect to receive clearance for departure. It helps manage air traffic congestion and ensures safe and efficient departure operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) refers to the estimated time at which an aircraft can expect to receive clearance for departure. This concept is used in aviation to manage air traffic congestion and ensure safe and efficient departure operations.
When an aircraft is ready for departure, it is assigned an EDCT by air traffic control based on various factors such as airport capacity, traffic volume, and weather conditions. The EDCT helps prioritize departures and minimize delays, allowing aircraft to depart in a more orderly and controlled manner.
For example, if an airport is experiencing heavy traffic, an aircraft may receive an EDCT of 30 minutes, meaning it should expect to receive clearance to depart 30 minutes after its scheduled departure time.