Aeronautical Information Manual

AIM 4-1-5

Communications Release of IFR Aircraft Landing at an Airport Without an Operating Control Tower

This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.

Aircraft operating on an IFR flight plan, landing at an airport without an operating control tower will be advised to change to the airport advisory frequency when direct communications with ATC are no longer required. Towers and centers do not have nontower airport traffic and runway in use information. The instrument approach may not be aligned with the runway in use; therefore, if the information has not already been obtained, pilots should make an expeditious change to the airport advisory frequency when authorized.

REFERENCE-

AIM, Para 5-4-4 , Advance Information on Instrument Approach.

Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 20, 2026.