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.

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.”

Do you self-announce on the radio before taxiing at non-towered airports?

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