What must be obtained from the receiving controller before making changes to an aircraft's flight path?

The correct answer highlights the importance of communication and coordination between controllers during the handoff process. Before making any changes to an aircraft's flight path, it is essential to obtain approval from the receiving controller. This ensures that the change aligns with the operational procedures and that the receiving air traffic controller is aware of and can manage the new flight path effectively.

This step is critical for maintaining safety, as uncoordinated changes could lead to conflicts with other aircraft or violate established airspace rules. The handoff process is designed to create a seamless transition in control of the aircraft, and obtaining approval beforehand is a fundamental part of that protocol.

Considering the other options, feedback from pilots, permission from the air traffic control tower, and notification of passengers do not directly pertain to the responsibility of a controller regarding changes in flight path. While these factors may be relevant at different stages of flight operations, they do not substitute the necessity of prior approval from the receiving controller during a handoff.