[Tim Hancock]

This is really not a big deal IMO. As pilot I am required to make contact with ATC prior to entering controlled airspace. If I cannot make contact (happens sometimes when small aircraft call into busy control towers at large airports), I simply cannot enter that particular airspace. These pilots were cleared into the airspace by another ATC controller and landed safely. ATC do not land the airplanes for pilots, they basically are there to maintain seperation at busy airports. Reagan is obviously not busy at night. Two airplanes approaching an airport to land that are communicating on a common frequency is not unsafe by any stretch of the imagination. and happens hundreds of times daily at uncontrolled airports and at controlled airports that are not staffed at night.