Who can initiate intersection departures?

Intersection departures can be initiated by a controller or a pilot, particularly when requested. In controlled airspace, air traffic controllers have the authority and responsibility to manage the flow of air traffic. They can clear aircraft for intersection departures to optimize the overall traffic flow and minimize delays. Pilots may also request to depart from an intersection instead of the full runway length, and if the controller assesses that it is safe and appropriate to do so, the request can be granted. This flexibility allows for efficient use of runway resources and encourages coordination between pilots and controllers in achieving safe departures.

The other options do not capture the full scope of who can initiate these departures. Only the pilot suggests a limitation that does not acknowledge the controller's role, while military pilots and ground staff members do not have the authority to initiate such departures in standard operations.