FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsHard
A pilot plans to land at an airport with a part-time control tower inside Class D airspace. Upon arrival, the pilot notices the tower is closed and the ATIS is off. What is the correct procedure?
- AThe airspace remains Class D and the pilot must contact approach control before entering
- BThe pilot must divert to another airport since the airspace cannot be entered without a tower
- CThe airspace reverts to Class E or G and the pilot should self-announce on the CTAF
- DThe airspace becomes Class A and requires an IFR clearance
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The airspace reverts to Class E or G and the pilot should self-announce on the CTAF
When a part-time control tower is closed, the surface area typically reverts to Class E (if weather reporting exists) or Class G airspace, and pilots use the CTAF to self-announce position and intentions as they would at any nontowered airport.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Class D designation only applies when the tower is in operation.
- B. Diversion is not required; the airport remains usable under nontowered procedures.
- D. Class A airspace only exists at 18,000 feet MSL and above, unrelated to surface airports.
Part-Time Class D Airspace
When a tower operates only part-time, the surrounding Class D airspace becomes Class E or G when the tower is closed, and pilots follow standard nontowered airport procedures.
- Chart Supplement lists tower operating hours
- CTAF frequency is used for self-announcements when tower is closed
- Airspace class effectively changes based on tower operating status
Memory trick: Tower asleep, airspace shrinks to E or G