What does the cryptic crossword clue "In brief drop, royal character getting permission to fly (9)" mean?

The definition is "permission to fly". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). LEAR (synonym="LEAR") in CANCE (synonym="CANCE") = CLEARANCE; definition: "permission to fly" The answer is CLEARANCE.

In brief drop, royal character getting permission to fly (9)

Guardian Cryptic #27559 | 27 Across | 2018-07-12 flower

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