FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsHard
A pilot approaching to land at an airport within Class D airspace establishes two-way radio contact with the tower, but the tower controller has not yet responded with the aircraft's call sign. According to regulations, may the pilot enter the airspace?
- ANo, because the controller must specifically acknowledge the aircraft by call sign before entry is authorized
- BYes, because initiating contact satisfies the two-way communication requirement
- CNo, because Class D airspace requires an ATC clearance rather than two-way communication
- DYes, provided the pilot continues transmitting position reports every two minutes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. No, because the controller must specifically acknowledge the aircraft by call sign before entry is authorized
Two-way radio communication is established only when the controller responds to the aircraft using its call sign, even if only to instruct the pilot to standby. Simply transmitting a call without acknowledgment does not meet the requirement to enter Class D airspace.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Merely initiating a call does not establish two-way communication; a specific response by call sign is required.
- C. Class D airspace requires establishing two-way radio communication, not a formal ATC clearance like Class B.
- D. Repeated calls without acknowledgment still do not meet the two-way communication requirement.
Two-Way Radio Communication Requirement (Class D)
Before entering Class D airspace, a pilot must establish two-way radio communication with ATC, meaning the controller has responded to the aircraft using its call sign.
- A response of 'standby' with the call sign satisfies the requirement
- Simply transmitting without acknowledgment does not satisfy it
- Applies similarly to Class C airspace before entry
Memory trick: 'They must say YOUR name before you claim the game'