Which of the following statements is true regarding the pilot's responsibility in controlled airspace?

In controlled airspace, the pilot's responsibility includes adhering to air traffic control (ATC) instructions to ensure safety and order. ATC is responsible for managing the flow of air traffic within this airspace, which means that pilots must comply with instructions regarding altitude, routing, and other operational details. This cooperation helps prevent conflicts between aircraft and maintains overall safety in the busy environments of controlled airspace.

While pilots are responsible for the safe operation of their aircraft, they must operate within the guidelines set by ATC when flying in controlled areas; thus, following ATC instructions is crucial. This is an aspect of the shared responsibility between pilots and ATC, where pilots must execute their flight operations within the framework provided by air traffic controllers.

In contrast, other statements do not accurately reflect the pilot's responsibilities in controlled airspace, as pilots cannot operate without clearance when required, are not solely responsible for all actions without consideration of ATC directions, and do not have complete autonomy over clearance decisions when flying in controlled airspace.