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What should a pilot do prior to entering an Airport Advisory Area?

  1. File a flight plan with the FAA

  2. Contact the local FSS for airport and traffic advisories

  3. Request clearance from ATC

  4. Communicate with nearby pilots

The correct answer is: Contact the local FSS for airport and traffic advisories

Prior to entering an Airport Advisory Area, contacting the local Flight Service Station (FSS) for airport and traffic advisories is essential. This action allows pilots to obtain current information regarding weather conditions, traffic patterns, runway usage, and any other relevant factors that could impact their approach and landing at the airport. The FSS provides valuable insights that help pilots make informed decisions, ensuring safety during operations in an environment where traffic density may be higher or where specific advisories are necessary for navigation and communication with other aircraft. Filing a flight plan with the FAA primarily pertains to IFR flights and does not specifically address the situational awareness needed when approaching an Airport Advisory Area. Requesting clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) is relevant for controlled airports but is not the typical protocol for advisory areas, which often function without active tower control. While communicating with nearby pilots can be beneficial, it is largely informal compared to the structured and comprehensive information provided by the FSS, which is designed to assist all pilots in the vicinity.