What is the correct radio communication procedure to enter the traffic pattern at an airport?

To properly enter the traffic pattern at an airport, the correct procedure involves contacting the control tower approximately 5 to 6 nautical miles from the airport while ensuring you have the current ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) information. This allows the tower to have the necessary context regarding your approach and helps ensure safe and orderly traffic flow.

Providing the ATIS information not only demonstrates your situational awareness but also helps the tower controllers understand your intentions and any relevant details about wind conditions or other traffic. By following this procedure, you contribute to safer operations and effective communication within the airspace around the airport, which is crucial for all pilots and air traffic controllers.

In contrast, notifying the tower from 10-12 nautical miles may lead to excessive workload for both you and the controllers, as they typically handle closer-range communication. Requesting entry without mentioning ATIS lacks important context, and making radio calls only once in the traffic pattern would not provide adequate situational updates for the tower.