When should a flight progress strip be removed from its bay?

The correct answer is based on the principle that a flight progress strip is meant to aid air traffic controllers in managing and tracking aircraft throughout their flight. Removing a flight progress strip should be done when it is no longer required for control purposes, ensuring that controllers have access to relevant information while avoiding clutter in their workspace.

This approach allows for efficient management of flight data. For instance, if a flight has landed and is no longer active within the airspace, it makes sense to remove the strip. Keeping only what is necessary minimizes confusion and increases the efficiency of air traffic operations. This practice aligns with the need to maintain an organized and clear control environment, ultimately enhancing safety.

Other options are not in alignment with effective traffic management protocols. For example, removing the strip as soon as it is created or immediately after clearance delivery does not take into account the ongoing processing required until the flight's final phase is complete. Similarly, waiting until the aircraft lands may lead to unnecessary clutter if the strip could have been removed earlier when it was no longer needed for monitoring the flight. Hence, the focus should be on the utility of the strip rather than the timing of its removal.