Controlled airports are represented by blue symbols, while uncontrolled airports are represented by magenta symbols. In sectional charts, controlled and uncontrolled airports are easily identified according to the color of their symbols. Each uncontrolled airport implements a unique frequency, referred to as the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). In uncontrolled airports, pilots can pretty much navigate at their own discretion, as no authority will provide any clearance.Ī crucial element of navigating near uncontrolled airports is knowing the radio frequency to announce and listen to. Thus, any incoming aircraft needs to announce their position and intention – whether they’re just passing through or landing on a runway. In contrast, uncontrolled airports operate on self-announce procedures. This is far easier for both pilots of drones and manned aircraft, as the ATC is primarily responsible for directing air traffic to avoid untoward incidents. The key difference is that controlled airports issue advisories on air traffic from their communication towers via a specific radio frequency. Uncontrolled airports, on the other hand, have no communications tower or has one that does not operate 24/7. Controlled airports refer to airports that have a control tower, or an air traffic control (ATC) unit, that operates 24/7. To determine the proper frequency for the area you are flying your drone in, we must first make a distinction between controlled and uncontrolled airports. To do this properly, a drone pilot needs to know the appropriate radio frequency to tune their receivers on and to understand standard aviation language. In the vicinity of an airport or in an area where low-altitude flight is expected, a drone pilot is only expected to listen in on an aviation receiver to determine the position and intention of any manned aircraft in the area. Communication protocols may also be in place in areas where low-level flights, such as military exercise, are expected.Īgain, drone pilots are generally not expected to make radio calls. However, there are also visual flight rules (VFR) that must be followed when flying in Class G or uncontrolled airspace. Radio communications come into play when you are flying your drone near airports of any size. They have the authority in the development, establishment, and administration of international civil aviation standards. The radio communication standards imposed on drone pilots are based on the principles of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), an organization which has been established by the United Nations. By tuning in to the appropriate radio frequency, you gain a heightened level of situational awareness, which allows you to better react to other elements in the national airspace system. This is easier said than done, as manned aircraft can quickly come in proximity to your drone, leaving you with little time to maneuver out of the way. Take note that drone pilots, whether Part 107-licensed or not, are required to yield right of way to all types of manned aircraft. While drone pilots aren’t exactly expected to send out messages through radio communications (and are not trained to do so), they still have the option of listening in on the relevant radio frequencies so they can keep aware of the movement of any manned aircraft around them. However, it can also be pretty valuable information for recreational drone pilots, especially in the context of the recently launched provision for recreational drone pilots to request approval to fly in controlled airspace through the LAANC system.
Radio communications is a required subject area for commercial drone pilots who would like to earn their Part 107 remote pilot certificates. However, what exactly does a pilot need to know about radio communications to fly their drones safely? What radio communication protocols does an average drone pilot need to practice while out on a drone flight mission? Why radio communication matters Radio communication is one of the fields of knowledge that gets tested when you apply for a Part 107 remote pilot certificate. The FAA is aware of this fact and has started to impose a certain level of knowledge in commercial drone pilots (and perhaps to recreational pilots as well, eventually). With their number reaching several hundreds of thousands, drone pilots have now become significant elements of national airspace. 3D Insider is ad supported and earns money from clicks, commissions from sales, and other ways.
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