What is the normal clearance limit specified in a departure clearance?

The normal clearance limit specified in a departure clearance is typically the destination airport. This is a standard practice in air traffic control, as it provides pilots with a clear endpoint for their flight plan right from the outset. By designating the destination airport as the clearance limit, it ensures that pilots are fully aware of their destination and can plan their route accordingly.

When a pilot receives a departure clearance, they are generally expected to follow the specified routing to their destination, maintaining communication with air traffic control throughout their flight. This clarity not only aids in flight planning but also helps in managing air traffic efficiently, ensuring a smoother flow of aircraft within the airspace.

While other options could represent points in an aircraft's journey, such as an initial waypoint or enroute fix, they do not serve as the overarching limit in the context of a departure clearance. The first altitude is more about the vertical movement of the aircraft rather than a clearance limit. Thus, specifying the destination airport as the clearance limit is essential for ensuring that all parties involved have a mutual understanding of the flight’s endpoint right from the beginning.