What is the recommended procedure for a straight-in approach to an airport?

In a straight-in approach, it is essential to manage communications effectively to ensure safety and coordination with air traffic control. Announcing intentions only on final approach is commonly recommended because it allows pilots to clearly convey their location and intentions at the most critical phase of landing. By doing this, it avoids overwhelming the tower with unnecessary transmissions while in the traffic pattern, and it ensures that other traffic is aware of the pilot's approach when they are closest to landing.

This approach helps maintain a clear flow of communications, particularly in busy airspace, making it easier for the tower to manage incoming and outgoing traffic efficiently. Other options may involve unnecessary communications or assumptions about altitude and distance that could complicate the approach or cause confusion with other traffic movements.