Pilot's tip of the week

Make The Call?

Featuring

Subscriber question:

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

Not subscribed yet? Sign up here to receive tips like this every week.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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 #94 “Gulf Coast Gauntlet” is now available. You’ve been dodging showery precipitation all the way home and you’ve got one area to bypass. The catch is the only VFR you can use is the peninsula on the west side of Tampa’s Class B, about 15 miles ahead. You stop and wait, but the only good airport is behind you and still IFR in showers. You circle to consider your options: VFR under the Bravo, VFR with a clearance through the Bravo, land without permission at a private airpark where no one seems to be monitoring the radio, or continue to circle, burning gas and hoping things improve. Watch the Intro video.

Get the Pilot’s Tip of the Week

Sign up here to receive tips like this every week along with videos, quizzes and more.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.