Sachin Walls
Landing at a military airport in a non-military aircraft is generally not recommended, and prior permission should always be sought if possible. In an emergency, civilian aircraft are allowed to land at military airports, even those with restricted access. However, pilots should be aware that they may encounter armed security personnel and will likely have to fill out paperwork after landing. While civilian aircraft have been known to use military runways in the past, some military airports are now exclusively for military use.
Landing at a Military Airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Civilian aircraft emergency landing | Allowed |
| Civilian aircraft landing with prior official business | Allowed with prior permission |
| Civilian aircraft landing without prior official business | Not allowed |
| Security | Armed security forces may be present |
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What You'll Learn
- In an emergency, civilian aircraft can land at military airports without prior authorisation
- You may face security with guns at the ready, but this is a rare occurrence
- You will need to fill out forms and gain permission from the relevant military service branch
- It is recommended to contact the base weeks in advance to gain permission
- Some military bases have joint civilian/military use
In an emergency, civilian aircraft can land at military airports without prior authorisation
Civil Aircraft Landing Permits (CALPs) are issued by the Pentagon to allow civilian aircraft to land at specific military airfields. These permits are often issued for planned divert locations due to weather conditions. If an aircraft has a CALP and needs to land at a military airfield for a reason approved by the permit, there is little coordination needed, and it is usually handled on the spot by Airfield Management personnel. If an aircraft does not have a CALP, it will be met by Security Forces, and the pilot will need to provide insurance, hold-harmless agreements, and landing fee paperwork.
In an emergency, a civilian aircraft can land at a military airport without prior authorisation, but it is important to note that this is only permitted if the continued flight is hazardous. If a civilian aircraft lands at a military airport without prior authorisation and it is not due to an inflight emergency, it may be designated as an unauthorised landing and subject to additional fees and reporting requirements.
While civilian aircraft can land at military airports in an emergency, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of security forces. Some bases have "security at the ready" and will meet aircraft with armed individuals. However, this is not the norm, and in most cases, the military personnel are there to help and provide the necessary resources for the aircraft to continue its journey.
In summary, while civilian aircraft can land at military airports in an emergency without prior authorisation, it is important to understand the regulations and potential consequences. It is also crucial to be aware of the possibility of security forces being present and to ensure that the emergency justifies the landing.
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You may face security with guns at the ready, but this is a rare occurrence
In general, civilian aircraft are not permitted to land at military airports. However, in the case of an emergency, civilian aircraft are allowed to land at military airports without prior authorization. This is a standard FAA regulation, and while the military might not like it, they will allow it. In such a situation, you may face security forces with guns at the ready, but this is a rare occurrence.
According to one source, there are only a couple of bases that have "security at the ready" and will meet you with armed individuals. The military is not a war-crazed institution, and its bases are staffed with civilian controllers as well as military personnel who are there to help. If you have an emergency, do not hesitate to land at a military airport as it is funded by your tax dollars, and they will be happy to assist.
If you have official business at a US military base and would like to fly a privately owned aircraft there, it is recommended to contact the base well in advance—weeks before your flight—to obtain permission. If you are dealing with someone at the base, you could ask them to put you in touch with the officer in charge of the airfield. It is also important to note that different airfields may have different permission requirements, such as requiring Air Force permission to land at a specific airfield.
While civilian aircraft are generally not allowed to land at military airports, there have been exceptions. For example, at one time, the airfield on the Army side of JBLM had an 'Aero Club' that operated a flight school and rented Cessnas for use by the base population. They also allowed troops who owned personal aircraft to base them in the Aero Club facility. However, this facility closed due to insufficient use during the height of Iraq/AFG deployments.
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You will need to fill out forms and gain permission from the relevant military service branch
If you are planning to land at a military airport, you will need to fill out forms and gain permission from the relevant military service branch. This process can vary depending on the specific military airport and your reason for landing. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
First, it is important to distinguish between emergency and non-emergency landings. In the case of an emergency, such as a medical issue or mechanical problem, any aircraft operator is permitted to land at any military airfield without prior authorization. This is in accordance with FAA regulations, which prioritize the safety of those on board the aircraft. However, be prepared for security forces to be present upon landing, and for a review of your actions to take place after the fact.
For non-emergency landings, the process is more involved. If you are flying a civilian or privately owned aircraft and wish to land at a military airport, you must obtain permission from the appropriate military service branch beforehand. Begin by contacting the base well in advance of your flight, preferably weeks ahead, to ensure you have the necessary authorization in place. If you have business on the base, it is advisable to coordinate with your contacts there to facilitate the request.
Once you have established communication with the base, you will need to fill out the required forms. Specifically, you will need a signed copy of a DD 2400 from your insurance company, as well as DD Forms 2401 and 2402. These forms can then be submitted to the military service HQ in Washington, DC, for the specific airfield you wish to land on. The address for submission is provided on the forms. It is important to note that different airfields may fall under the jurisdiction of different military branches, so ensure you are seeking permission from the correct branch (Army, Air Force, etc.).
While civilian landings at military airports are possible with the proper procedures, it is worth noting that some bases may be less accommodating than others. Some sources suggest that, even with prior authorization, you may encounter a degree of hostility or wariness from the military personnel. Additionally, be prepared for potential security protocols, including the presence of armed individuals, depending on the base and its regulations.
In summary, landing at a military airport as a civilian requires careful planning and adherence to specific protocols. By contacting the appropriate authorities, filling out the necessary forms, and gaining permission from the relevant military service branch, you can increase your chances of a smooth landing. Remember to allow ample time for processing your request and always prioritize safety, especially in emergency situations.
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It is recommended to contact the base weeks in advance to gain permission
If you are planning to land at a military airport, it is recommended to contact the base well in advance—ideally, weeks ahead of your intended landing—to obtain the necessary permissions. While emergency landings by civilian aircraft are typically allowed at military airports, landing without prior authorisation for non-emergency reasons is not recommended.
When seeking permission to land at a military airport, it is important to follow the established procedures. In the case of US military bases, this may involve obtaining a signed copy of a DD 2400 form from your insurance company, completing DD Forms 2401 and 2402, and submitting the necessary paperwork to the relevant military service headquarters in Washington, DC.
By contacting the base in advance, you can ensure that you have the required approvals in place before your arrival. This proactive approach demonstrates respect for the protocols of the military installation and helps to establish a positive rapport with the base personnel. It also allows them to make any necessary preparations to accommodate your request.
In some cases, it may be helpful to coordinate your request for landing permission through your point of contact at the base. If you have business dealings with individuals or departments at the military installation, they may facilitate your request by bringing it directly to the officer in charge of the airfield. This internal advocacy can streamline the process and increase the likelihood of a favourable response.
Remember that each military base may have its own specific procedures and requirements for granting landing permissions to civilian aircraft. By contacting them in advance, you provide ample time for clarifying these details and completing any necessary steps, ensuring a smooth and compliant landing experience.
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Some military bases have joint civilian/military use
Military bases are not generally accessible to civilian aircraft. However, some military bases have joint civilian/military use. These bases are known as joint bases and are utilised by multiple US military services, with one service hosting one or more other services as tenants.
In the US, there are several joint bases, including Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. These joint bases were established through the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, which combines multiple military installations into a single joint base.
Outside of the US, there are also joint civilian/military bases. For example, the US has access to several ADF (Australian Defence Force) bases in Australia, including RAAF airfields in northern Australia. Additionally, the US previously operated Joint Base Balad in Iraq, which was handed over to the Iraqi Air Force in 2011.
While some military bases allow joint civilian/military use, landing a civilian aircraft on a military base typically requires prior permission. In an emergency, civilian aircraft may deviate from restrictions and land at any military airfield without prior authorisation. However, it is important to note that landing at a military base without permission can result in security forces responding with weapons drawn. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the base well in advance to obtain the necessary approvals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, civilian aircraft can land at military airports in emergency situations. In non-emergency situations, civilian aircraft can land at military airports with prior permission.
An emergency situation is when there is an inflight emergency that makes continued flight hazardous. This could be due to a medical emergency or mechanical problems.
The process for landing at a military airport in a non-emergency situation is to first contact the base well in advance to obtain permission. Next, obtain a signed copy of a DD 2400 form from your insurance company, and fill out DD Forms 2401 and 2402. Finally, submit all forms to the military service HQ in Washington, DC, for the specific airfield you want to land on.
Landing at a military airport without prior permission and in a non-emergency situation is generally not advised. While you may not be arrested, there is a possibility of security forces showing up with guns at the ready.
