Pilot's tip of the week

Make The Call?

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Subscriber question:

"Do I need to make a radio call before taxiing at a non-towered airport?" - Joe P.

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Bob:

“The Aeronautical Information Manual (or AIM) does recommend a self-announcement before taxi and before taking the runway for departure on our outbound leg from a non-towered airport.

Also important would be a call before back taxiing on an active runway or crossing another runway during your taxi.

Having said this, radio discipline is critical. If the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is congested, adding a self-announcement before taxi can be counterproductive.

There is no substitute for awareness while operating on any airport. Operations at airports without operating control towers require the highest degree of vigilance. Pilots should self-announce on the CTAF, and follow recommended airport advisory practices—but in all cases, radio discipline is critical.”

How often do you self-announce on the radio before taxiing at non-towered airports?

(NEW) VFR Mastery scenario #95 “Iconic Adventure” is now available. You’re a sport pilot who took a friend for a day of splash and dashing in your Icon A5. After lunch, you met some folks with an XCub on amphibs, and your friend got some stick time with the pilot of that plane, who is also a CFI. Unfortunately, the XCub got stuck on the runway where you were supposed to swap passengers. After some loitering, there’s a plan to move it, but the clock is ticking toward civil twilight—after which you can’t legally fly. Pretty soon you won’t have time to get home. Is there a way to retrieve your friend without excessive risk or busting a reg? Watch the Intro video.

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