If landing clearance has not been received at ACA(H), which action aligns with SOPs?

If landing clearance has not been received at ACA(H), which action aligns with SOPs?

• A. Proceed with landing when you think safe
• B. Go around at ACA and not below
• C. Maintain approach and await clearance
• D. Climb and hold

Answer: (B)

When you don’t have landing clearance, you must not descend or proceed with the approach. The proper response is to execute a go-around at the approach fix (ACA(H)) and maintain a safe altitude, not descending below the published or required level, until you have explicit clearance to land. This keeps you in controlled flight, preserves obstacle clearance, and gives ATC time to provide the appropriate instructions. This action is preferred because it immediately eliminates the risk of an unbriefed landing and aligns with standard operating procedures for handling lack of clearance. Continuing the approach or attempting to land without clearance would violate those procedures and increase risk. While climbing and holding can be used in other contexts, the immediate, disciplined step at ACA(H) is a go-around to regain safe separation and await further clearance.

When you don’t have landing clearance, you must not descend or proceed with the approach. The proper response is to execute a go-around at the approach fix (ACA(H)) and maintain a safe altitude, not descending below the published or required level, until you have explicit clearance to land. This keeps you in controlled flight, preserves obstacle clearance, and gives ATC time to provide the appropriate instructions.

This action is preferred because it immediately eliminates the risk of an unbriefed landing and aligns with standard operating procedures for handling lack of clearance. Continuing the approach or attempting to land without clearance would violate those procedures and increase risk. While climbing and holding can be used in other contexts, the immediate, disciplined step at ACA(H) is a go-around to regain safe separation and await further clearance.