On what condition must pilots not request closed patterns?

Pilots must avoid requesting closed patterns when they are between 5 and 2 miles on a straight-in approach because this represents a critical phase of landing where the aircraft is preparing to land. During this distance, air traffic control is focused on sequencing arriving aircraft safely and efficiently. When a pilot requests a closed pattern in this range, it could potentially disrupt the flow of traffic, create confusion, or lead to unsafe situations with nearby aircraft that are on final approach.

This rule is primarily in place to maintain safe separation between aircraft and to ensure that the landing process is efficient. Pilots are expected to be aware of their surroundings and the operational norms at the airport, which include not adding to the workload of air traffic controllers during crucial landing operations. The intention is to facilitate a smooth landing sequence and minimize the likelihood of conflicts between aircraft.