New ‘Climb Via,’ ‘Descend Via’ Phraseology Makes Communication Easier

In an airspace increasingly composed of RNAV fixes and the routes they define, the FAA has introduced new phraseology for the delivery of IFR clearances: “climb via” and “descend via.” Whether used in conjunction with standard instrument departures (SIDs) or area navigation standard instrument departures (RNAV SIDs), climb via is simply shorthand for fly the departure as published. “Some pilots are confused by this phraseology,” said Keith Gordon, director of aviation at Flynn Gallagher Associates in Las Vegas, and a member of NBAA’s Access Committee. “But once you understand the basic concept that this is simply verbal shorthand for ‘fly the published procedure,’ it becomes much easier to grasp.”