Upon receiving the CLEAR OF CONFLICT aural message, what action should the crew take?

• A. Continue current altitude
• B. Climb to the highest altitude
• C. Return to assigned altitude unless otherwise directed by ATC
• D. Descend to minimum safe altitude

Answer: (C)

When ATC says you’re CLEAR OF CONFLICT, you’re returned to normal operations and should resume the previously assigned altitude unless ATC directs otherwise. This keeps you back on your planned vertical profile and maintains separation without assuming new altitude changes.

Continuing at the current altitude ignores the instruction to revert to the assigned altitude, and climbing to the highest altitude or descending to minimum safe altitude isn’t indicated unless ATC provides those specific instructions. Return to the assigned altitude and maintain it until ATC issues new guidance.