If operating in the NAS on an IFR flight plan into an airport with a functioning control tower, what should happen?

When operating in the National Airspace System (NAS) on an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan and arriving at an airport with a functioning control tower, the correct procedure is that the flight plan should close automatically. This automatic closure occurs when the aircraft arrives at the destination and contacts the control tower for landing. The tower notifies the appropriate air traffic control (ATC) facilities, thereby closing the flight plan without any additional action required from the pilot.

This automatic process is designed to streamline operations and enhance safety by ensuring that flight plans are accurately tracked and closed when no longer needed. It alleviates the need for the pilot to manually confirm the closure, which helps prevent any potential delays or confusion regarding the status of the flight plan.

In contrast, some options imply an additional burden for the pilot or misunderstanding of standard procedures. For example, manually confirming closure is typically unnecessary at controlled airports, and while a flight plan can remain open until manually closed, this is not the case in airports with active control. Therefore, recognizing the automatic closure of IFR flight plans at towered airports is crucial for effective flight management and safety.