FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Navigation and AirspaceMedium
A helicopter pilot approaching an uncontrolled airport with a published CTAF wants to enter the traffic pattern safely. What is the correct procedure?
- AOnly monitor the CTAF; transmitting is prohibited unless cleared by a ground station
- BSelf-announce position and intentions on the CTAF beginning about 10 miles from the airport and continue through taxi after landing
- CContact the nearest Flight Service Station instead of using the CTAF for all traffic advisories
- DRemain silent unless another aircraft calls first, since CTAF use is only mandatory for towered airports
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Self-announce position and intentions on the CTAF beginning about 10 miles from the airport and continue through taxi after landing
At airports without an operating control tower, pilots should self-announce their position and intentions on the CTAF starting about 10 miles out, and continue to broadcast through pattern entry, landing, and taxi, per AIM guidance for safe traffic separation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Transmitting is expected and encouraged, not prohibited.
- C. FSS does not provide traffic advisories for uncontrolled airport patterns; CTAF is used directly.
- D. CTAF use is recommended (not silent) precisely because there's no tower to provide separation.
CTAF Procedures
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency used at uncontrolled airports for pilots to self-announce position and intentions to enhance situational awareness.
- Self-announce starting about 10 NM from airport
- Continue broadcasts through pattern, landing, and taxi
- CTAF may be a UNICOM, MULTICOM, or FSS frequency
Memory trick: CTAF = 'Call The Airport First' at 10 miles out.