What is the first item in the order for issuing departure clearances?

The first item in the order for issuing departure clearances is the clearance limit. This refers to the specific point or location to which the aircraft is cleared before receiving further instructions or clearances. It establishes the initial destination for the flight and is essential to ensure that pilots have a definitive goal for their flight path, allowing them to plan for the initial segment of their journey.

By providing the clearance limit first, air traffic controllers ensure that the pilot understands the overall context of the flight and allows for appropriate route planning, which influences subsequent steps in the clearance process, such as altitude and route instructions. This methodical approach helps maintain safety and efficiency in air traffic management by clearly defining the intended route and destination before other operational details are communicated.