UA.V.A.K1: Airport operations with and without an operating control tower.

ACS Area V — Operations Task A: Radio Communications Procedures References: ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; AIMAeronautical Information ManualCloseFAA operational guidance and glossary material used to understand aviation procedures and terminology.; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Towered Airports: Establishing and Maintaining Two-Way Communications

• Class C arrival/through-flight entry requires two-way radio communication to be established prior to entry and maintained thereafter. Initiate contact far enough out so you do not enter before communications are established. If ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. replies “(callsign) standby,” communications are established; if ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. replies without your callsign, they are not, and you may not enter. Expect a procedural Outer Area of normally 20 NMNautical MileCloseA distance unit used in aviation. One nautical mile is about 1.15 statute miles. where radar/radio services may be provided, but entry into the Class C itself still requires established two-way communications^[5].
• When departing the primary or a satellite airport with an operating control tower within Class C airspace, establish and maintain two-way communications with the tower and then as instructed by ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services.. If departing from a satellite airport without an operating control tower, establish communications with the ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. facility having jurisdiction as soon as practicable after departing^[4].
• Lighting aids conspicuity: when entering the departure runway to take off or “line up and wait,” turn on all lights except landing lights; turn landing lights on when cleared for takeoff, or when commencing the takeoff roll at an airport without an operating control tower^[2].
• Be alert for FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. “FLIGHT CHECK” aircraft conducting NAVAIDNavigational AidCloseGround or satellite-based navigation aid used by pilots for position and routing./procedure inspections. Avoid their flight paths; ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. often affords them special handling^[2].
• Know transponder phraseology: SQUAWKTransponder code instructionCloseATC phraseology telling a pilot to set or use a specific transponder function or code. a specific code in Mode A/3; IDENTIdentifyCloseA transponder function pilots use when ATC asks them to identify their aircraft on radar. when requested; SQUAWKTransponder code instructionCloseATC phraseology telling a pilot to set or use a specific transponder function or code. ALTITUDE to enable Mode C; STOP ALTITUDE SQUAWKTransponder code instructionCloseATC phraseology telling a pilot to set or use a specific transponder function or code. to disable altitude reporting; SQUAWKTransponder code instructionCloseATC phraseology telling a pilot to set or use a specific transponder function or code. VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions. code 1200; SQUAWKTransponder code instructionCloseATC phraseology telling a pilot to set or use a specific transponder function or code. MAYDAYDistress callCloseEmergency radio word used when an aircraft needs immediate assistance. code 7700^[8].

Nontowered Airports: CTAF/UNICOM Procedures and Traffic Pattern Discipline

• In Class G when approaching to land at an airport without an operating control tower, make all turns to the left unless right traffic is indicated by approved light signals or markings. Helicopters/powered parachutes avoid the flow of fixed-wing aircraft^[4].
• Use CTAF/UNICOM to self-announce:
  • About 10 miles out, report position, altitude, aircraft type/ID, location relative to the airport, landing or overflight intentions, and request wind/runway if needed^[6].
  • Report on downwind, base, and final, and when clear of the runway after landing^[6].
  • When outbound, announce location on the airport, taxi intentions, and departure runway; state “remaining in the pattern” or departure direction as appropriate^[6].
• IFRInstrument Flight RulesCloseRules for operating primarily by instruments. On the exam, IFR often appears in weather, traffic, and airspace context. arrivals released to advisory frequency should switch promptly to CTAFCommon Traffic Advisory FrequencyCloseThe frequency pilots use to self-announce near many non-towered airports. and use the same recommended traffic advisories^[6].
• Ground vehicles with radios should monitor CTAFCommon Traffic Advisory FrequencyCloseThe frequency pilots use to self-announce near many non-towered airports. while on movement areas and keep transmissions to safety-related matters. Pilot-controlled lighting is commonly via CTAFCommon Traffic Advisory FrequencyCloseThe frequency pilots use to self-announce near many non-towered airports. at airports without operating towers^[6].
• When conducting other operations (parachute jumping, en route maneuvering, etc.) within 10 miles of the airport, monitor/communicate on the appropriate frequency unless procedures or regulations require otherwise^[7].
• FSSFlight Service StationCloseFAA-certified briefing support for weather, NOTAMs, and flight information. advisory services at some nontowered airports include Local Airport Advisory (Alaska, at airports with an on-field FSSFlight Service StationCloseFAA-certified briefing support for weather, NOTAMs, and flight information. where the tower is absent/part-time) and Remote Airport Information Service (for special events by request). When using a CTAFCommon Traffic Advisory FrequencyCloseThe frequency pilots use to self-announce near many non-towered airports. FSSFlight Service StationCloseFAA-certified briefing support for weather, NOTAMs, and flight information., check automated weather and establish two-way communications; inbound aircraft should initiate contact approximately 10 miles out with ID/type, altitude, position, intentions, and weather possession to request advisory information^[7].

Situational Awareness Aids and Regulatory Thresholds

• Terminal Weather Information for Pilots (TWIPTerminal Weather Information for PilotsCloseTerminal weather information service for pilots.) provides near-real-time precipitation, microburst, and wind shear alerts for certain airports. During inclement weather (predetermined precipitation or wind shear within 15 miles), text updates occur once per minute and character graphics every five minutes; during good weather, updates are every 10 minutes. Coverage focuses on conditions within 30 NMNautical MileCloseA distance unit used in aviation. One nautical mile is about 1.15 statute miles. of the terminal area^[3].
• Beginning January 1, 2020, aircraft operating in the Class E airspace described in 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. §91.225 must have ADS-BAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-BroadcastCloseAircraft broadcast technology. Part 107 drones generally may not use ADS-B Out unless specifically authorized. Out that meets §91.227 performance requirements^[4].
• Be familiar with airport categories you may operate near: Commercial Service Airports have at least 2,500 passenger boardings annually, and Cargo Service Airports serve all-cargo operations with total annual landed weight over 100 million pounds^[1].