When approaching an airport near an active military airfield, what should the pilot do when the airport is in sight?

When approaching an airport near an active military airfield and the airport is in sight, advising Air Traffic Control (ATC) is the correct course of action. This communication is essential because it informs ATC of your position and intentions, helping to ensure safety and coordination with other aircraft, especially in a complex airspace that includes military operations.

Military airfields often have specific procedures and traffic patterns, which may differ from those at civilian airports. By making this call, the pilot ensures that they are following proper protocol, receiving updates on active military traffic, and receiving any necessary instructions regarding approach, landing, or potential holding patterns. This proactive communication is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and enhancing safety for all aircraft in the vicinity.

While making a routine call to ATC or even changing course may seem sensible actions in a complex environment, they do not provide the immediate clarity and coordination that notifying ATC directly does. Immediate landing without prior communication could pose significant risks, especially in crowded or controlled airspace.