FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Airspace and NavigationMedium
A pilot approaching an airport within Class D airspace calls the tower and receives the response, 'Cessna 123AB, standby.' The pilot continues toward the airport boundary. What is the pilot required to do?
- AEnter the airspace only if visibility is at least 3 statute miles
- BRequest permission from the nearest FSS before entering
- CEnter the airspace since contact was established
- DRemain outside the Class D airspace until two-way radio communication is established
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Remain outside the Class D airspace until two-way radio communication is established
Under 14 CFR 91.129, a pilot must establish two-way radio communications with ATC before entering Class D airspace. 'Standby' is only an acknowledgment of the call, not the establishment of two-way communication, so the pilot must remain clear until the controller responds with the aircraft's call sign and indicates the pilot may proceed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Visibility minimums do not substitute for the radio communication requirement in Class D.
- B. Class D communication requirements are with the tower, not Flight Service Stations.
- C. A 'standby' response only acknowledges the transmission, it does not authorize entry.
Class D Two-Way Radio Requirement
Before entering Class D airspace, a pilot must establish two-way radio communication with the controlling ATC facility; a simple acknowledgment like 'standby' does not satisfy this requirement.
- Applies per 14 CFR 91.129
- 'Standby' is not authorization to enter
- Communication is established when ATC responds using the aircraft's call sign
Memory trick: 'D is for Dialogue' — you need a real back-and-forth, not just a hello.