Okay, here’s something that I feel needs a little clearing up…
After being PMed by a user regarding events at Birmingham recently, I’m here to clarify the difference between cleared to land and cleared for the option.
First off, if you’re cleared for the option, then report again for a full stop, you won’t get another clearance for landing- you’re already cleared for the option. Cleared for the option covers EVERYTHING- including a full landing/stop on the runway and taxiing back to the terminal. Heck, you can even flip your plane upside down and do a Top Gun maneuver over the runway if you feel like it.
Cleared to Land = Cleared to land/full stop
Cleared for the Option = Cleared to land/full stop, cleared to fly upside-down, spin over the runway at 300 knots, stall, do an epic wipeout, or whatever.
Believe it or not, in the early stages of my training, I too also thought that you had to reclear to land if someone recalled for landing. However, after talking to Tristan Hensley and Tyler Shelton, of whom are real life controllers, I can assure you that cleared for the option CAN cover a full landing- I cannot stress that enough. Hope that clears things up!
-Stik
//Advanced Controller 2