A remote pilot has authorization to fly near a towered airport and monitors the tower frequency with a handheld radio. Why can the pilot expect to hear the manned aircraft operating at that airport on this frequency while the tower is operating?
- APilots operating from a towered airport must maintain two-way radio communication with ATC.
- BRadio calls there are only a recommended practice, the same as at a non-towered airport.
- CAll manned aircraft must broadcast on 122.9 when they are within 10 miles of any airport.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Pilots operating from a towered airport must maintain two-way radio communication with ATC.
Pilots operating from a towered airport are required to keep two-way radio contact with ATC. Monitoring the tower frequency therefore lets a remote pilot follow the manned traffic and the controller's instructions.
- A. Correct. At a towered airport, pilots are required to maintain two-way radio communication with ATC and to comply with its instructions.
- B. Incorrect. Wrong. At a non-towered airport two-way radio is not required, but at a towered airport it is required.
- C. Incorrect. Wrong. 122.9 is the MULTICOM frequency for non-towered airports without an FSS or UNICOM, not a frequency for towered airports.
Source
FAA-H-8083-25C Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 14, Towered Airport Pilots operating from a towered airport are required to maintain two-way radio communication with ATC and to acknowledge and comply with their instructions.