This is a symbol that was never on the approach plates when I earned my living flying. For reference, this one is on the VOR/DME-B Approach for Salmon, ID (KSMN).

Anyone know? (This was established by the FAA in October of last year)

Great discussion tonight in the VATUSA "Town Hall" meeting relative to Pre Departure Clearances, enough that it was worth bringing it up here for further input and suggestions.

PDCs have been around for several years to the point where you can listen to a Clearance freq on liveatc and hardly hear anything. Here in VATSIM-Land, we're slowly adopting the use of PDC's, but we don't have the technology to do it the way it should be done, so the best option we have at the moment is the text alias.

ZNY worked very hard to design and implement an automated system where the departure was presented on the ZNY website and the controller could open the PDC and manipulate it as needed, then the pilot received a link to the completed PDC. That system went by the wayside due to server problems, if I recall.

At any rate, issuing a PDC via text is exceedingly simple. It isn't used for general aviation, but for airlines and corporate jets as a rule. The system that I use, along with the aliases provided to me by Michael Mund-Hoym and modified slightly, goes like this:
Pilot calls for clearance
Controller responds to pilot (voice or text) to expect PDC via PM
Controller checks clearance, route etc. just as is always done, assigns squawk
Controller opens chatbox with pilot, uses first alias, enters four items only: TYPE A/C, RWY, FRQ, DEP SID
Controller follows up with second alias, which tells pilot no need to respond unless he has a question, and to call ready to taxi with ATIS and SQUAWK only.

Even pilots who have not previously seen the process, especially European folks don't have any problems if they actually read the text.

Many ARTCCs apparently use PDCs. Some don't. Others allow it on an individual basis.

The Aliases that I use:

.PSB STAND BY FOR PRE-DEPARTURE CLEARANCE VIA PM. IF UNABLE PM ADVISE.
 
.PDC1 PRE-DEPARTURE CLEARANCE START | CALL SIGN: $aircraft | TYPE: ($1) | DEP: $dep | ARR: $arr | TRANSPONDER: $squawk | ALTITUDE: $cruise | APPROVED ROUTE: $route | *CLIMB VIA SID* | EXPECT RWY $2 | DEP FREQ ($3) | RMKS: $uc($4) DEPARTURE
 
.PDC2 ADDITIONAL INFO: >>CONTACT APPROPRIATE CONTROLLER WITH ASSIGNED TRANSPONDER CODE AND CURRENT ATIS FOR TAXI.<< THIS MESSAGE SERVES AS YOUR PRE-DEPARTURE CLEARANCE. NO NEED TO REPLY UNLESS YOU HAVE QUESTIONS -END-

I think ZLA uses these, or something quite similar.

I am very pleased to announce the selection of Davor Kusec as the next ATM of the Indianapolis ARTCC. Davor has been active on the network for six years, and an active member of ZID for a considerable time. He has experience as a DATM and is a current Supervisor. This was not an easy selection due to highly qualified applicants.  I am confident that Davor will continue to maintain ZID at the highest levels.

Please join me in congratulating him on his selection.

Special thanks to Gerry Inks for his accomnplishments as the outgoing ATM.

I am very pleased to announce the selection of Ryan Geckler as the next ATM of the Washington D.C. ARTCC. Ryan has been around the network for several years, has previously served as an ATM elsewhere, and is soon to graduate from ERAU. I am confident that he will continue to maintain ZDC at the highest levels.
Please join me in congratulating Ryan on his selection.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Solon as the new ATM of the Los Angeles ARTCC. I have known Tom for several years, know him to be a very dedicated individual with true commitment to ZLA and VATSIM, and I have the utmost confidence that he will continue the exemplary performance demonstrated by those who have preceded him and set the standard high.

I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to outgoing ATM Brad Podd for his accomplishments and skillful handling of the reins for the last two years. Juggling a demanding job like ZLA ATM along with a very time-consuming RW profession isn't easy, but Brad made it look as if it was.

Congratulations Tom, and very best luck to you!

I am pleased to announce the selection of Jerry Swalling as the new ATM of the Seattle ARTCC. Jerry's experience in both VATSIM and real world management, as well as his aviation experience afford him the skills and knowledge to do an excellent job as the new ATM. Please join me in congratulating him on his new challenge.
Congratulations Jerry!

I also want to extend a sincere thanks to Curley Bryant on his retirement from the position. Curley did an outstanding job and has set the mark for all who follow him.

Please extend your congratulations to Danny Flairty who has been selected from a number of highly qualified candidates to serve as the next ATM of the Honolulu Control Facility. Danny replaces Romano Lara who leaves a distinguished record of progressive accomplishments behind.
Congratulations Danny, let's see what ya got!