What should a pilot do if they receive a "clear to land" clearance but the runway is occupied?

What should a pilot do if they receive a "clear to land" clearance but the runway is occupied?

• A. Contact ATC for further instructions
• B. Hold position until instructed
• C. Execute a go-around immediately
• D. Land on an alternate runway

Answer: (C)

When a pilot receives a "clear to land" clearance but finds that the runway is occupied, the correct action is to execute a go-around immediately. This procedure is critical for safety, as landing on a runway that is occupied poses a significant risk of collision with the aircraft already on the runway. Executing a go-around is a standard maneuver that ensures the aircraft can safely depart the landing approach and reassess the situation. The pilot should follow the appropriate missed approach procedures as outlined in the applicable standard operating procedures. This not only protects the aircraft but also ensures the safety of other personnel on the ground. While contacting Air Traffic Control (ATC) for further instructions or holding position may seem like reasonable actions, they do not address the immediate safety concern of an occupied runway. Attempting to land on an alternate runway might not always be feasible due to various factors, including traffic, weather conditions, or the pilot's altitude and speed at the time of decision-making. Therefore, the most prudent response is to perform a go-around, maintaining altitude and control until a safe landing can be achieved.

When a pilot receives a "clear to land" clearance but finds that the runway is occupied, the correct action is to execute a go-around immediately. This procedure is critical for safety, as landing on a runway that is occupied poses a significant risk of collision with the aircraft already on the runway.

Executing a go-around is a standard maneuver that ensures the aircraft can safely depart the landing approach and reassess the situation. The pilot should follow the appropriate missed approach procedures as outlined in the applicable standard operating procedures. This not only protects the aircraft but also ensures the safety of other personnel on the ground.

While contacting Air Traffic Control (ATC) for further instructions or holding position may seem like reasonable actions, they do not address the immediate safety concern of an occupied runway. Attempting to land on an alternate runway might not always be feasible due to various factors, including traffic, weather conditions, or the pilot's altitude and speed at the time of decision-making. Therefore, the most prudent response is to perform a go-around, maintaining altitude and control until a safe landing can be achieved.