StudyWhat frequency should be monitored when operating near an uncontrolled airport?
- ❌A:The tower frequency listed on sectional charts
- ✅B:Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) listed for that airport
- ❌C:No frequency monitoring is required at uncontrolled airports
Explanations
- A: This is incorrect. Uncontrolled airports do not have control towers, hence there is no tower frequency to monitor. Misunderstanding this could lead to safety risks and operational inefficiencies for your drone business.
- B: This is correct. The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) should be monitored when operating near an uncontrolled airport. This ensures safety by maintaining awareness of manned aircraft traffic, and compliance with FAA regulations, both of which are crucial for a successful drone business.
- C: This is incorrect. Even though the airport is uncontrolled, monitoring the CTAF is important for situational awareness, safety, and regulatory compliance. Ignoring this could lead to potential collisions, damage, and legal issues for your drone business.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Operating near uncontrolled airports can present unique challenges for drone businesses. Understanding the correct frequency to monitor is crucial for maintaining safety, avoiding potential collisions with manned aircraft, and ensuring compliance with FAA regulations. This knowledge can also help you plan operations more efficiently, saving time and resources.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Monitoring the CTAF when operating near an uncontrolled airport is a key safety measure. It allows drone operators to maintain awareness of manned aircraft traffic, reducing the risk of collisions, damage, and injury. Ignoring this requirement could lead to serious safety incidents and potential legal issues, impacting your business's reputation and bottom line.
Consider This Scenario
A drone inspection company is contracted to inspect power lines near an uncontrolled airport. The operator, aware of the importance of monitoring the CTAF, checks the sectional chart for the airport's CTAF frequency. During the operation, the operator hears a manned aircraft announce its intention to land at the airport. The operator immediately maneuvers the drone away from the aircraft's flight path, avoiding a potential collision. This scenario underscores the importance of monitoring the CTAF for safety and regulatory compliance.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA wants to ensure that remote pilots understand the importance of monitoring the CTAF at uncontrolled airports. This is a key aspect of maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safety when operating near these airports.
Business Success Strategy
Ensure that all operators in your business understand the importance of monitoring the CTAF at uncontrolled airports. Make it a standard part of your operational planning and procedures. This will not only enhance safety but also demonstrate your commitment to regulatory compliance to clients and stakeholders.
Memory Aid
Remember "C for CTAF, C for Communication". When operating near an uncontrolled airport, Communication via the CTAF is key to maintaining safety and compliance.
Enhanced References
- FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Section 4-1-9: Traffic Advisory Practices at Airports Without Operating Control Towers
- Advisory Circular (AC) 90-66B: Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations
Related Concepts
- Airport communications
- Traffic pattern awareness
- See and avoid principles
ACS Code: UA.V.A.K1
Difficulty: basic