Which frequency is used to transmit intentions to other pilots and notify position at airports without an operating control tower?

Which frequency is used to transmit intentions to other pilots and notify position at airports without an operating control tower?

• A. Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
• B. UNICOM
• C. Flight Service Station (FSS)
• D. ATIS

Answer: (A)

When there’s no operating control tower, pilots coordinate with each other using a dedicated frequency to broadcast their positions and intentions. This is the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, the channel specifically set aside for pilot-to-pilot traffic advisory at uncontrolled airports. By using CTAF, you announce actions like entering the traffic pattern or turning and you listen for other aircraft to ensure safe separation. The frequency for a given airport is published on charts and in the airport directory so everyone knows where to be heard. UNICOM can provide general advisory information or weather contact but isn’t the primary channel for coordinating traffic. Flight Service Station offers weather briefings and flight planning, not real-time traffic coordination, and ATIS provides automated weather and operational information rather than ongoing pilot-to-pilot traffic advisories.

When there’s no operating control tower, pilots coordinate with each other using a dedicated frequency to broadcast their positions and intentions. This is the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, the channel specifically set aside for pilot-to-pilot traffic advisory at uncontrolled airports. By using CTAF, you announce actions like entering the traffic pattern or turning and you listen for other aircraft to ensure safe separation. The frequency for a given airport is published on charts and in the airport directory so everyone knows where to be heard. UNICOM can provide general advisory information or weather contact but isn’t the primary channel for coordinating traffic. Flight Service Station offers weather briefings and flight planning, not real-time traffic coordination, and ATIS provides automated weather and operational information rather than ongoing pilot-to-pilot traffic advisories.