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Landing Priority

AIM ¶ 5-4-26 — Landing Priority

AIM 5-4-26 explains that an IFR approach clearance does not grant landing priority. ATCTs sequence all aircraft first-come, first-served. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

AIM 5-4-26 clarifies a common student misconception: getting cleared for a specific approach (ILS, RNAV, GLS, ADF, VOR, or Visual) while on an IFR flight plan does not give you landing priority over other traffic.

Key points to remember:

  • ATCTs (control towers) handle all aircraft on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of flight plan type (IFR or VFR).
  • The controller may issue a different landing sequence based on local traffic or the runway in use, in the interest of safety.
  • A landing sequence will be issued as soon as possible so you can adjust your flight path (speed, spacing, pattern entry) accordingly.

Operationally, this means that even after breaking out of the clouds on an ILS, you might be told to extend downwind, follow a Cessna on left base, or go around for spacing. Plan your energy and configuration so you can comply with sequencing instructions without rushing the approach. This is informational guidance, not a regulation, but it reflects how towers actually operate.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 5-4-26
5-4-26. 5-4-26. Landing Priority A clearance for a specific type of approach (ILS, RNAV, GLS, ADF, VOR or Visual Approach) to an aircraft operating on an IFR flight plan does not mean that landing priority will be given over other traffic. ATCTs handle all aircraft, regardless of the type of flight plan, on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Therefore, because of local traffic or runway in use, it may be necessary for the controller in the interest of safety, to provide a different landing sequence. In any case, a landing sequence will be issued to each aircraft as soon as possible to enable the pilot to properly adjust the aircraft's flight path.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Does being cleared for an ILS approach on an IFR flight plan give you landing priority over VFR traffic?
No. Per AIM 5-4-26, a clearance for a specific approach to an IFR aircraft does not mean landing priority will be given over other traffic. ATCTs handle all aircraft on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of flight plan type.
Q2Why might a controller issue you a landing sequence different from the order you arrived?
Per AIM 5-4-26, the controller may, in the interest of safety, provide a different landing sequence because of local traffic or the runway in use.
Q3When should you expect to receive a landing sequence from the tower?
Per AIM 5-4-26, a landing sequence will be issued to each aircraft as soon as possible so the pilot can properly adjust the aircraft's flight path.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5
5-4-1
STAR Procedures and Descend Via
5-4-10
Timed Approaches from Holding Fix
5-4-11
Radar Approaches
5-4-12
Radar Monitoring Instrument Approaches
5-4-13
Simultaneous Parallel Approaches
5-4-14
Simultaneous Dependent Approaches
5-4-15
Simultaneous Independent Parallel Approaches
5-4-16
PRM and SOIA Approaches
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AIM 5-4-26 — Landing Priority and Sequencing