Can You Land at Big Airports with Your Pilot’s License?

The ability to land at big airports with a pilot's license depends significantly on the type of license and ratings you possess. Some large, busy airports have restrictions on accepting student pilots or training flights.

For over fifty years, I have personally utilized many of the major airports along the East Coast. Some of these airports charge substantial fees, but only a few require prior reservations. To land at a big airport, you must be proficient in following quick and frequent ATC (Air Traffic Control) instructions. It is also advantageous to inform ATC that you can utilize alternate runways and hold short of the primary runways.

Instrument Flight Plans for Big Airports

Some large airports require an instrument flight plan for unscheduled general aviation aircraft. This necessitates that a private or commercial pilot with an instrument rating can land at these airports. Other airports handle last-minute traffic from aircraft approaching on a visual flight plan or no plans at all. In such cases, the pilot can contact the published frequency and request clearance to approach and land.

Scheduled Airports and FBOs

For airports with scheduled airline operations, you will often find FBOs (Fixed Base Operators). These FBOs cater to general aviation and handle various aircraft types, from single-engine to light twins and even light and heavy jets.

A pilot of a small plane might land at a big airport for various reasons, such as picking up or dropping off someone for a scheduled carrier. However, in most cases, it is preferable to land at an airport primarily serving general aviation. Such airports often have more reasonable landing fees and charges, which can be waived if there’s a purchase of aviation fuel or tie-down fees are paid.

Examples of Large Airports

For instance, landing at Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport, one of the busiest in the world, would be unnecessary for a small plane pilot. Nearby airports like Peachtree-Dekalb, Fulton County, and Atlanta Regional are closer to the destination and better suited for smaller aircraft. Similarly, Teterboro Airport, located just 10 minutes by town car from Manhattan, is a much better option than Newark or JFK, which can take the better part of an hour to reach.

Unless you have a specific need to land at a big airport, it is wise to choose a general aviation airport. This choice not only saves money on landing fees but also simplifies the process, making it much more convenient for pilots with small planes.