How should a VFR flight plan be closed at completion of the flight at a controlled airport?

• A. The pilot must close the flight plan with the FAA upon landing
• B. The controller closes the flight plan automatically when the aircraft lands
• C. No action is required to close a VFR flight plan
• D. The flight plan is closed by the airport manager on arrival

Answer: (A)

Closing a VFR flight plan after landing is the pilot’s responsibility. When you file a VFR flight plan, you’re telling the FAA your route and estimated times, and you’re also indicating you’ll notify them when you’ve landed. Upon arrival at a controlled field, you should cancel or close that plan with the FAA as soon as practical—typically by contacting Flight Service or the facility that accepted the plan. The controller does not automatically close the plan just because you’ve landed, and the airport manager isn’t involved in closing flight plans. If the plan isn’t closed, search-and-rescue procedures can be triggered if the FAA believes the aircraft is overdue. Closing promptly ensures the FAA can terminate the flight plan and stop any unnecessary alerts.