Private Pilot Private Exam

What action must be taken to close a VFR flight plan upon landing at a controlled airport?

1. Notify the tower immediately

2. Contact the nearest FSS or FAA facility

3. Fill out a flight termination form

4. Leave a message on the automated hotline

The correct answer is: Contact the nearest FSS or FAA facility

To close a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight plan upon landing at a controlled airport, the correct procedure is to contact the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS) or FAA facility. This is important because it allows air traffic control to be informed that you have safely completed your flight, ensuring they can update their records and avoid any unnecessary searches for unfinished flights. By notifying the FSS or FAA facility, the pilot ensures that the flight plan is officially closed in the system. This action helps maintain the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations. While notifying the control tower is important upon landing, it does not specifically accomplish the task of closing the VFR flight plan in the official records. Other methods, like filing a flight termination form or leaving a message on an automated hotline, are alternatives but may not be as immediate or reliable as directly contacting the FSS or FAA.