Every year, at non-towered airports across the country, there are occurrences of runway incursions, traffic conflicts, and near-misses. And sometimes, these issues arise due to aircraft flying legally without a radio.
We won’t take a definite stance in this article, but we will examine a NASA ASRS report where a non-transmitting aircraft caused a runway incursion, and also review the AIM recommended radio procedures at non-towered airports.
After reading the article, share your thoughts in the comments at the bottom or send an email to scenarios@boldmethod.com.
Report: Opposite Direction NORDO Aircraft
If you’ve spent a significant amount of time flying around non-towered airports, you’ve likely encountered aircraft in the pattern without a radio, aircraft with incorrect transmissions, and even those that completely choose not to provide position reports. Although the FAA highly encourages radio reports over the Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies (CTAF) designated for non-towered airports, there is no legal obligation for it.
Here’s an example of what can happen when a non-transmitting aircraft lands, as per this NASA ASRS report…
I was training with my student approximately 12 miles north of ZZZ Airport. We decided to head to YYY to practice landings. We tuned to their CTAF frequency and began listening to other aircraft in the traffic pattern at YYY. There were 2 or 3 of them, and they were using Runway XX. We made our report 10 nautical miles out of the airport, another report at 5 nautical miles stating our intentions. We flew over the runway and entered the pattern on the downwind Runway XX, reporting every position in the pattern.
We reported base Runway XX and final Runway XX. As we landed on Runway XX while still rolling on the runway, we noticed a Seneca landing on the opposite threshold, Runway XY. Not once did they report their position as they were approaching the airport. The aircraft landed and bounced a bit. We thought they were going around, but instead, the aircraft came in our direction, ignoring us. We were forced to run onto the grass to avoid a collision.
Flying Into Non-Towered Airports
If you’re flying into or out of a non-towered airport, the FAA asks that you “play it safe” and make radio calls if you’re equipped. However, it’s not a requirement.
Here’s what the FAA recommends in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) for radio calls.
According to the AIM, when you’re 10 miles from the airport, you should start monitoring the airport’s CTAF frequency. This is also the time to make your first radio call to inform other airplanes of your intentions. In some cases, you may want to overfly the airport before entering the traffic pattern. Why would you do that? It’s a great way to check the airport and runway conditions and see if there are other airplanes operating at the airport (they may not be using the CTAF frequency).
If you do overfly the airport, it should be at 500-1000 feet above the traffic pattern. And while overflying, make radio calls on CTAF, stating your current position and what you plan to do.
During the first part of your 45-degree angle to the downwind leg, make another radio call to let other traffic in the area know your location and what you’re doing.
On downwind, make another call to let anyone monitoring CTAF know that you’re on the downwind leg and which runway you’re planning to land on.
When making radio calls in the traffic pattern, it’s a good idea to specify your exact location. Instead of saying “Laramie traffic, Cessna Skyhawk N9525V is on a downwind for runway 30,” add that you’re on a “left downwind for runway 30.” If you’re flying a right pattern, say you’re on a right downwind, right base, etc. This will help pilots in the area better visualize your location.
The rest of the traffic pattern continues in this manner regarding radio calls. Announce major position changes for each leg of the pattern without overwhelming the frequency.
Recommended, But Not Required
You don’t need to communicate with anyone in Class E or G airspace. However, when flying into a non-towered Class E or G airport, the FAA recommends that you constantly communicate your position.
Their suggested calls are:
- 10 miles away from the field
- 5 miles away from the field
- Airfield overflight (if necessary)
- 45-degree entry to the downwind
- Downwind
- Base
- Final
What Do You Think?
Regulations can sometimes put a strain on pilots’ financial and regulatory freedom. That being said, most rules are in place to ensure the safety of pilots.
Should radio transmissions be required when operating to and from non-towered airports?
Let us know what you think. Send an email to scenarios@boldmethod.com or leave a comment below.
