FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsMedium
A pilot arriving at a nontowered airport without an operating control tower wants to announce position on downwind. What frequency should the pilot use, and what information should be included in the transmission?
- A121.5 MHz, stating only the aircraft call sign and current altitude
- BThe nearest approach control frequency, stating the aircraft type and estimated time of arrival
- CThe Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), stating the airport name, aircraft position, and intentions
- DUnicom frequency 122.0, stating only the pilot's request for fuel services
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), stating the airport name, aircraft position, and intentions
At a nontowered airport, pilots use the CTAF (often a Unicom or FSS frequency published in the Chart Supplement) to self-announce position and intentions, including the airport name, so other traffic can build situational awareness.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 121.5 MHz is the emergency frequency, not used for routine traffic advisories.
- B. Approach control is not typically used for uncontrolled traffic pattern position reports.
- D. 122.0 is the FSS common frequency for flight watch, not a general-purpose CTAF for all airports.
CTAF Self-Announce Procedures
At nontowered airports, pilots use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency to broadcast position, intentions, and airport name so as to alert other aircraft in the area.
- CTAF frequency is published in the Chart Supplement
- Typical calls include airport name, position, altitude, and intentions
- Reduces risk of midair collision in the absence of ATC separation
Memory trick: 'Say who, where, and what you'll do on CTAF'