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Military and civilian airports have distinct characteristics, and each type of airport has specific regulations and standards that it must adhere to. Military airports, for instance, have rotating beacons with distinct light flash sequences, while civilian airports must follow the regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Generally, civilian aircraft are not permitted to land at military airports unless there is an emergency or they have obtained prior permission. In the case of an emergency, regulations allow civilian aircraft to land at any Air Force airfield without prior authorization. On the other hand, military aircraft can and do occasionally use civilian airports for training exercises or when they are low on fuel or supplies.
When can you land at a military airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Civilian aircraft emergency landing | Allowed |
| Civilian aircraft landing with prior permission | Allowed |
| PPR number | Required for landing |
| Security | Armed security will be present |
| Official business | Landing with prior permission is easy |
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What You'll Learn
Civilian aircraft can land in an emergency
In an emergency, civilian aircraft can land at a military airport. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, "any aircraft operator with an inflight emergency may land at any Air Force airfield without prior authorization." This regulation is in place to ensure that pilots have the necessary tools to handle emergency situations.
While civilian aircraft are allowed to land at military airports in an emergency, it is important to note that there may be consequences. For example, security forces with guns may show up upon landing, and the aircraft may be directed away from sensitive areas. Additionally, some military airports may require prior permission for civilian aircraft to land, even in emergencies. It is always best to contact the base beforehand to obtain permission if time allows.
To land a civilian aircraft on a military base in a non-emergency situation, several steps must be followed. First, obtain a signed copy of a DD 2400 form from your insurance company. Second, fill out DD Forms 2401 and 2402. Third, submit all forms to the military service HQ in Washington, DC, for the specific airfield you wish to land on. The address can be found on the forms. It is important to note that different branches of the military may have separate requirements for landing at their airfields.
In some cases, civilian aircraft may be able to access military installations without following the above steps. For example, if the air traffic control tower and base operations are closed, or if the planned destination is unavailable due to weather or airport closure. Additionally, there are 21 "joint-use" airports in the United States that allow civilian access to military airfields. These airports are owned by the Department of Defense and include examples such as Charleston AFB in South Carolina and Blackstone AAF in Virginia.
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Prior permission is required for civilian aircraft
To land a civilian aircraft at a military airport, prior permission is required. This involves contacting the base well in advance, usually weeks before the intended landing date, to obtain permission. It is recommended to coordinate with the folks you're dealing with on the base and request that your inquiry be forwarded to the officer in charge of the field.
Additionally, specific forms may be required, such as a signed copy of a DD 2400 from your insurance company and completion of DD Forms 2401 and 2402. These forms must then be submitted to the military service headquarters in Washington, DC, for the specific airfield you wish to land on. The permission process can vary depending on whether the airfield belongs to the Army or the Air Force.
In an emergency, civilian aircraft are generally allowed to land at military airports without prior authorization. However, you can expect to encounter security forces, possibly with guns at the ready, and a ""Follow Me" car that will direct you away from sensitive areas.
It is important to note that regulations and procedures can vary by country and specific military regulations. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the relevant authorities and carefully follow their instructions.
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Military bases have civilian controllers
Military bases are generally off-limits to civilians and are considered federal land. However, civilians often have legitimate reasons to visit these installations, such as visiting family or friends stationed there or for official business. Bases have different policies regarding personal guests, including sponsorship requirements, visit duration limits, and restricted areas. For example, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson explicitly allows visits from relatives of personnel.
Civilian aircraft can land at military airports in certain circumstances. In the case of an emergency, civilian aircraft are allowed to land at military airports, although security forces may be present. Civilian aircraft can also land at military bases with prior permission. To obtain permission, civilians must first fill out a series of forms, including a signed copy of a DD 2400 from their insurance company and DD Forms 2401 and 2402. These forms must then be submitted to the military service HQ in Washington, D.C., for the specific airfield at which the aircraft wishes to land.
Military bases are staffed with civilian controllers as well as military personnel. These controllers are responsible for air traffic control and ensuring the smooth operation of aircraft, both military and civilian. The presence of civilian controllers means that military bases can accommodate civilian aircraft landings, provided the necessary procedures are followed.
Some military bases have what is called a RAPCON (Radar Approach Control), which is a facility that uses radar to control and separate aircraft within a certain radius surrounding the base. The RAPCON controls the airspace surrounding the base, while the tower at the base controls ground movement and the airspace immediately surrounding the base. This division of responsibilities ensures efficient and safe aircraft operations for both civilian and military aircraft.
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Permission may be granted for official business
Permission to land at a military airport may be granted for official business, but this is dependent on several factors. Firstly, the aircraft in question must be a civil aircraft operating in support of official government business. In this case, landing permits will usually be issued, although other types of use may be authorised if exceptional circumstances are present.
To obtain permission, it is advisable to contact the base well in advance of the intended landing—even weeks prior—to ensure the request is approved. The request should be directed to the officer in charge of the airfield. Once internal approval has been granted, the aircraft operator must then submit the required documentation to the relevant military service headquarters. For US Air Force airfields, this involves filling out DD Form 2401 and 2402 and obtaining a signed copy of a DD 2400 from the insurance company. Additionally, a Military Aircraft Landing Authorisation Number (MLAN) may be required, which must be requested through the appropriate US military service.
In the case of an inflight emergency, any aircraft operator is permitted to land at any Air Force airfield without prior authorisation. This is defined as any situation that makes continued flight hazardous. In such cases, while landing is allowed, security forces are likely to be present upon landing.
It is important to note that the granting of permission is ultimately dependent on the specific military installation and its policies. Military needs take precedence, and access will be granted on an equitable basis.
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Landing procedures vary by airfield
Landing procedures for civilian aircraft at military airports vary by airfield and country. Here are some procedures to be aware of:
United States
In the United States, civilian aircraft landing at a military airfield requires prior permission. The specific procedure depends on the type of military airfield (Air Force, Navy, or Army). You will need to obtain a Military Aircraft Landing Authorization Number (MLAN) and submit the request to the appropriate US military service. For example, an ALAN is required for Air Force airfields, while an NALAN is needed for Navy airfields, and an AALAN for Army airfields. Additionally, a PPR number from the intended landing base is required before final DCAS approval.
Emergency Landing
In an emergency, civilian aircraft are allowed to land at military airports, although security forces may be present. However, it is important to note that prior permission is still preferred, if possible.
Joint Military/Civilian Use Airfields
Some airfields are designated for joint military and civilian use. These airfields may have different procedures and regulations compared to exclusively military airfields. It is important to check the status and requirements of the specific airfield before planning your landing.
International Procedures
When landing a civilian aircraft at a military airfield in a foreign country, you must comply with that country's regulations and obtain the necessary clearances. For example, the United States requires foreign state aircraft to obtain a Diplomatic Clearance Number (DCN) from the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs before landing or transiting in its territorial airspace. Each country may have its own unique set of procedures, so thorough research and advance planning are crucial.
It is important to recognize that landing procedures can vary significantly depending on the airfield and the country in which it is located. Always prioritize official sources and direct communication with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only with prior permission. It is recommended to contact the base well in advance of your flight to get permission.
You will need to get a signed copy of a DD 2400 form from your insurance company, fill out DD Forms 2401 and 2402, and submit all forms to the military service HQ in Washington, DC, for the airfield you want to land on.
Any aircraft operator with an inflight emergency may land at any Air Force airfield without prior authorization. An inflight emergency is defined as a situation that makes continued flight hazardous.
Your actions will be reviewed afterward, but as long as everyone is safe, authorities will likely not care as they will have to justify why keeping the aircraft out of that location is more important than the lives on the aircraft.
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