What must be obtained before releasing an aircraft subject to an active ground stop?

The correct answer involves the requirement to secure approval from the originator of the ground stop before releasing an aircraft. Ground stops are implemented by air traffic control (ATC) or other aviation authorities in response to various situations, such as severe weather, operational issues, or security concerns.

This decision to implement a ground stop is made to ensure safety and manage air traffic effectively. Consequently, before an aircraft can be released, it is essential to confirm that the conditions prompting the ground stop have been resolved or that there is an understanding that the aircraft can safely proceed. This approval ensures that all parties are aligned with the current status of operations and that safety protocols are maintained.

While obtaining permission from air traffic control might seem relevant since they enforce ground stops, the key factor is that the authority that issued the stop must lift it or give the all-clear for individual aircraft. Other options, such as obtaining flight clearance from the pilot or getting a weather update, might be operationally significant but do not directly pertain to the immediate need to release an aircraft under the specific circumstances of an active ground stop.