AA.II.C.K7FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Knowledge
Communications at towered and nontowered airports.
Communications at towered and nontowered airports.
Bottom line
Pilots operating from a towered airport are required to maintain two-way radio communication with ATC and to acknowledge and comply with their instructions. At nontowered airports, pilots should announce their intentions on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) assigned to that airport.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 4 NM from airport, up to 2,500 ft AGL | Comm distance |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 14 (pp. 14-2–14-3) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AFH ch. 6 (p. 6-1) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- 14 CFR 91.127 (Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class E airspace.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AIM 4-1-5 (Communications Release of IFR Aircraft Landing at an Airport Without an Operating Control Tower) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- AFH ch. 1 (pp. 1-12–1-13) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- 14 CFR 91.126 (Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- 14 CFR 91.129 (Operations in Class D airspace.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
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