What must be specified to indicate a specific approach to an aircraft?

To indicate a specific approach to an aircraft, it is essential to articulate the name of the approach followed by the term "CLEAR" along with the type of approach being conducted. This terminology clearly communicates to air traffic control and the pilots what specific procedure is to be followed, thereby ensuring precision in navigation and safety during the landing phase.

Different types of approaches, such as Instrument Landing System (ILS), Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR), or Visual Flight Rules (VFR), each have distinct requirements and procedures associated with them. By specifying the type of approach, controllers provide critical information that helps in maintaining proper separation between aircraft and allows for a predictable flow of traffic, especially in busy airspace.

Specifying the approach does not require additional contextual details, such as weather conditions or runway specifications, which, while relevant to the overall situation, are not fundamental to the indication of the specific approach type. Thus, the clarity brought by naming the exact approach ensures effective communication and smooth operational coordination among pilots and air traffic control.