What action should a pilot take when a STAR is not desired?

Entering "No STAR" in the flight plan remarks is the recommended action when a pilot does not desire a Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR). This notation clearly informs air traffic control (ATC) of the pilot's preference, allowing them to adjust the flight routing accordingly. By specifying this request, the pilot ensures that ATC understands the flight's intentions, aiding in efficient air traffic management and reducing any confusion that might arise from an automatic assignment of a STAR.

Using this method streamlines communications and ensures that the flight plan aligns with the pilot's operational preferences. It provides clear, unambiguous instructions to ATC without the need for further dialogue or alteration of the filed flight plan after its submission.

In contrast, simply requesting a different STAR might not effectively communicate the pilot's intention to avoid the use of any STAR altogether. Advising ATC to ignore a STAR request could lead to uncertainties, and filing a standard flight plan without the STAR doesn't specifically inform ATC of the pilot's preference, which could lead to complications during the routing process.