When ATC approves a straight-in approach, when should the pilot report "long final"?

When Air Traffic Control (ATC) approves a straight-in approach, the pilot is expected to report "long final" at a distance where they are aligning with the runway and can provide useful information to ATC about their position relative to the runway's threshold. Reporting at 8 nautical miles (nm) from the runway is a standard practice, as it generally gives ATC ample time to receive the position report and manage other traffic in the vicinity, ensuring a safe sequence of landings.

This distance also allows the pilot to assess visual cues and enter the final approach segment while maintaining situational awareness. It is a key point where the pilot can confirm their descent profile and any changes that may be needed prior to touchdown.

While reporting "long final" at distances such as 5, 10, or 12 nm may work in some scenarios, the established norm within the aviation community is to use 8 nm as a reliable reference for the report. This standardization aids in maintaining pilots' understanding of traffic patterns and enhances safety in busy airspace.