What can be specified in a clearance to an aircraft at an airport not in controlled airspace?

In the context of operations at an airport not in controlled airspace, an aircraft receives minimal instruction from air traffic control, often limited to basic information for safety and traffic management. The clearance provided typically focuses on operationally critical aspects, such as the aircraft's initial heading after takeoff.

Selecting a heading to be flown is appropriate because, at airports outside of controlled airspace, air traffic control's role differs from that in controlled airspace. Here, pilots must often rely on their own judgment and navigation skills to safely operate, particularly during departure and arrival phases, where constraints from ATC may be less stringent.

While the other options reflect various aspects of an aircraft's operation — including takeoff direction, planned flight routes, and altitude — such details may not be communicated effectively or at all in uncontrolled airspace. Pilots are expected to operate under visual flight rules (VFR) or maintain situational awareness regarding their navigation without detailed instructions from ATC in these scenarios. Control tower communication procedures, while important in controlled environments, typically do not play a role at airports outside controlled airspace, further limiting the nature of interactions with ATC.