How would you phrase a release that includes visual separation approval?

The choice that effectively conveys a release with visual separation approval is structured to provide clear guidance to the pilot regarding their altitude and the acceptance of visual separation. Stating "N123 Released, maintain four thousand. Visual separation approved" communicates both the altitude the aircraft should maintain and clarifies that visual separation has been granted. This phrasing ensures that the pilot understands the specific operational context and the autonomy they have in ensuring safe separation from other aircraft visually rather than relying solely on instruments.

Maintaining a specific altitude, like four thousand feet, is crucial for safety, while the explicit approval of visual separation enhances situational awareness. This wording aligns with standard communication practices in aviation, ensuring that all vital information is conveyed concisely and clearly.

In contrast, other options may either lack the specificity about altitude or use terms that do not directly convey the approval of visual separation in a clear manner. For instance, stating "cleared for takeoff" does not imply any altitude maintenance or convey visual separation in the same detailed way, which is essential in operational communications. Hence, the chosen phrasing effectively encapsulates both altitude instructions and visual separation authorization in a clear manner suitable for pilots.