Why does the controller sometimes say “not in sight” when issuing a landing clearance?
Sometimes pilots will report north, when they are really south, or they may report on final to runway 23, but they are actually on final to runway 10. In the interest of aviation safety, controllers are required to say “not in sight” in conjunction with a landing clearance if they can’t see the aircraft. Most of the time, pilots are where they are supposed to be, but the controller is just not able to see them. Without radar, it’s very difficult for controllers to see single engine aircraft more than 3 miles from the field, especially during hazy summer days. The controllers make every possible effort to visually spot inbounds prior to the 3 mile call, but sometimes they just can’t see the aircraft. However, anytime a pilot is told “not in sight” they should consider the possibility they are at the wrong airport, or reporting the wrong direction from the field, and they should double check to verify the position they are reporting is correct.
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