EDCT

Estimated Departure Clearance Time

The FAA-assigned time when a flight is expected to receive clearance to depart during traffic management programs.

What is EDCT?

An Estimated Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) is the runway release time assigned to a flight by the FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center. EDCTs are issued when Ground Delay Programs or other traffic management initiatives are in effect. The EDCT represents when the aircraft is expected to depart, and pilots must be ready for departure within a specific window (typically 5 minutes before to 5 minutes after the EDCT) or risk losing their slot.

Common Causes

Ground Delay Programs at destination
Airspace Flow Programs
Traffic management initiatives
Reduced airport capacity
Weather-related flow control

Impact & Duration

Impact Level

Medium - Flight must depart within a specific time window or be reassigned a new slot

Typical Duration

Individual EDCTs can range from 15 minutes to several hours of delay

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my flight misses its EDCT?

If an aircraft misses its EDCT window, it must request a new departure time from ATC. This typically results in additional delay as the flight is assigned a new slot in the traffic flow.

Can an EDCT change after it's assigned?

Yes, EDCTs are regularly updated as conditions change. Your departure time can improve if conditions at the destination improve, or worsen if they deteriorate.

Why do I have an EDCT when the weather is clear here?

EDCTs are based on conditions at your destination airport or along your route, not your departure airport. Clear skies locally don't prevent flow control from affecting your flight.