Who is checking customs when planes come in at 1:00 a.m.?
It is the responsibility of the pilot to notify and request customs clearance. In order to use PDK as a point of entry from a foreign country, the U.S. Customs Service can be called to PDK to provide clearance services. It is unlawful for aircraft to use PDK as a point of entry without clearing customs. Furthermore, Federal Aviation Regulations do not allow aircraft to enter U.S. controlled airspace without filing a flight plan. In addition, FAA air traffic control will follow and track the flight from the time it enters U.S. airspace until its stated destination. Passengers, flight crew, and cargo coming into the U.S. from abroad can not touch U.S. soil without clearing customs.
