AIM Text
Pilots are encouraged to participate in local pilot/air traffic control outreach activities. However, due to security and workload concerns, requests for air traffic facility visits may not always be approved. Therefore, visit requests should be submitted through the air traffic facility as early as possible. Pilots should contact the facility and advise them of the number of persons in the group, the time and date of the proposed visit, and the primary interest of the group. The air traffic facility will provide further instructions if a request can be approved.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-1-6.
The short answer
This advisory AIM section encourages pilots to take part in local pilot/ATC outreach and explains how to request an air traffic facility visit. Because of security and workload concerns, requests may not always be approved, so they should be submitted as early as possible, stating group size, proposed date and time, and the group's primary interest.
Research Notes
Common Questions
How do I arrange a visit to an air traffic facility?
Submit the request through the air traffic facility as early as possible. Contact the facility and advise them of the number of persons in the group, the time and date of the proposed visit, and the primary interest of the group; the facility will provide further instructions if the request can be approved.
Will my facility visit request always be approved?
No. The AIM notes that due to security and workload concerns, requests for air traffic facility visits may not always be approved. That is why requests should be submitted as early as possible, and the facility will advise whether the visit can proceed.
What information should I provide when requesting a visit?
Provide the number of persons in the group, the time and date of the proposed visit, and the primary interest of the group. This advisory guidance references FAA Order 1600.69, the FAA Facility Security Management Program.