What must a pilot do when landing at a controlled airport?

When landing at a controlled airport, the pilot must comply with air traffic control (ATC) instructions because ATC is responsible for managing the flow of aircraft and ensuring safety in the airspace. This includes providing instructions on approach paths, landing sequences, and any necessary alterations to flight plans to prevent collisions and maintain order. Compliance with ATC ensures that pilots are following standardized procedures that contribute to overall operational safety and efficiency, particularly in busy airspace situations.

Maintaining visual separation from other aircraft can be important, but it is not the primary responsibility at a controlled airport since ATC provides separation instructions. Landing on the shortest runway available is not a requirement, as pilots typically select runways based on a variety of factors including wind direction, runway availability, and aircraft performance capabilities. While obtaining the latest weather information is critical for safe flight operations, it is not a specific requirement exclusive to the act of landing at a controlled airport; it is part of overall pre-flight planning and situational awareness.