If you have not received landing clearance but the runway is clear, what should you do?

In aviation, receiving landing clearance is a critical component of maintaining safety and order in the airspace system. Landing clearance must be obtained from the tower controller to ensure that the airfield is safe for landing and that no other aircraft are occupying the runway at the time of your approach. It is a regulatory requirement that serves to communicate the intentions of the air traffic control (ATC) to pilots.

If you have not received landing clearance, the correct course of action is to pull up and make another circuit. By doing this, you prioritize safety over eagerness to land. This is essential because landing without clearance can lead to dangerous situations, such as a potential collision with another aircraft that may be on the runway or in a takeoff position.

In terms of the other options, they inaccurately downplay the seriousness of the requirement for landing clearance. Assuming that landing clearance is merely a formality undermines the importance of ATC communications and may compromise safety. Simply landing because the runway is clear ignores the need for coordination and clearance from ATC, which could lead to violations of air traffic regulations. Similarly, continuing to land based on the assumption that the tower controller is busy neglects the fundamental principle that all aircraft must adhere to established procedures for safe