VACANCY: FIR Chief (ZWG1)

Pre-Departure Clearance

PDCs let controllers issue IFR clearances via private message during high-traffic periods — keeping frequency congestion down and getting pilots on their way faster.

When PDCs are used

Pre-Departure Clearances are issued when the Winnipeg FIR is handling high volumes of traffic — most commonly during cross-the-pond or other major VATSIM events. Controllers may also choose to use PDC at any time at their discretion if required.

Winnipeg's PDC system uses the private message (PM) protocol supported by all VATSIM-approved pilot clients.

Requesting a PDC

Pilots can request a PDC from ATC by voice or text before departure. The controller will respond with a private message containing your full IFR clearance — active runway, assigned SID, squawk code, and more.

Example PDC
PDC | ACA123 YWG | A321/L | RORMA SIDPO DEGVA FELTN OTNIK BOXUM5 | USE SID DUXUS1 | TRANSPONDER 0667 | DEPARTURE RUNWAY 18 | DESTINATION CYYZ | CONTACT ATC WITH IDENTIFIER - 647A | - END -

Read the PDC carefully — it is your IFR clearance and should be treated as such. If your flight plan is invalid or requires amendment, the PDC will include AMENDED ROUTE; check the routing before accepting.

Calling ready for push

Once you have your PDC and understand, note the ATIS letter, and call ATC when ready for push and start — quoting your PDC identifier.

Example readback
Winnipeg Ground, ACA123, PDC Identifier 647A, ATIS T, ready for push and start.