What is the recommended action for pilots when they see a military airfield beacon during approach?

When pilots see a military airfield beacon during approach, the recommended action is to notify Air Traffic Control (ATC) of their location. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, military airfields may have different operational standards, traffic patterns, and could be conducting training exercises. Alerting ATC increases situational awareness for both the pilot and air traffic controllers, ensuring that appropriate measures can be taken to maintain safety and separation from military operations.

Notifying ATC also assists in managing air traffic in the vicinity and allows for potential instructions or advisories from air traffic control regarding the military airfield. This communication is particularly crucial when approaching unfamiliar airspace to avoid any conflicts with military traffic which may not be on a standard flight path or operate differently than civilian airspace.

Changing altitudes or continuing to a final approach without proper communication could lead to unsafe situations, especially if military aircraft are operating in that area. Immediate landing is also not advisable without clearing any potential conflicts or ensuring appropriate procedures are followed.