Narrative:

Received [takeoff] clearance from approach via remote radio. Clearance was issued 'as filed; 4000 ft; expect FL200 in 10 min; departure control 135.75; squawk abcd and hold for release'. First officer read back full clearance; acknowledged 'hold for release'; then controller returned and asked for an estimated wheels up time. First officer responded with :50 past hour. Controller then stated; 'aircraft X; you are released at xa:50; void if not off by :52'. Clearance departure time and void time was then read back by first officer. We interpreted this release/void time as our authorization to depart. Immediately after takeoff; both captain and first officer noticed traffic on TCAS and simultaneously heard the traffic announce '5 miles out on ILS xy'. There was no TCAS TA/RA alerted. We immediately turned to the west and adjusted climb as needed to avoid any conflict. Approach advised to 'call facility upon arrival' possible phraseology issues or misinterpretation of clearance time/hold for release. Upon calling approach; we were advised that we did not hold for release as instructed. We in return advised that the issuance of a 'release time and void if not off by time' negated the need to hold for further release clearance. Controller spoke with on this call advised that he had counseled the controller issuing clearance about use of phraseology before. Controllers need to be more cognizant of their phraseology and careful that their intentions are not something different than stated.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Flight Crew receives release; and when airborne becomes aware of conflicting traffic. Conversation with ATC facility reveals miscommunication.

Narrative: Received [takeoff] clearance from Approach via remote radio. Clearance was issued 'as filed; 4000 FT; EXPECT FL200 in 10 min; departure control 135.75; squawk ABCD and hold for release'. First Officer read back full clearance; acknowledged 'hold for release'; then Controller returned and asked for an estimated wheels up time. First Officer responded with :50 past hour. Controller then stated; 'Aircraft X; you are RELEASED AT XA:50; VOID IF NOT OFF BY :52'. Clearance departure time and void time was then read back by First Officer. We interpreted this release/void time as our authorization to depart. Immediately after takeoff; both Captain and First Officer noticed traffic on TCAS and simultaneously heard the traffic announce '5 miles out on ILS XY'. There was NO TCAS TA/RA alerted. We immediately turned to the west and adjusted climb as needed to avoid any conflict. Approach advised to 'call facility upon arrival' possible phraseology issues or misinterpretation of clearance time/hold for release. Upon calling Approach; we were advised that we DID NOT hold for release as instructed. We in return advised that the issuance of a 'release time and void if not off by time' negated the need to hold for further release clearance. Controller spoke with on this call advised that he had counseled the Controller issuing clearance about use of phraseology before. Controllers need to be more cognizant of their phraseology and careful that their intentions are not something different than stated.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.