Please checkout the AOPA document that I attached to the bottom of this page for more information. A very well put together resource for us Pilots. Speaking of AOPA, don't forget to donate to them for protecting our rights and freedom to fly freely in our beautiful sky.
Flying in and around non-towered (uncontrolled) airports is a common part of general aviation. These airports lack an operating air traffic control tower, which means pilots must rely heavily on each other—and especially on effective radio communication—to manage traffic and maintain safety.
This article explains why radio communication is essential at non-towered airports, breaks down key FAA regulations (including FAR Parts 91.126 and 91.113), and offers practical advice on how to use your radio to keep the skies safe for everyone.
Unlike busy commercial airports with active control towers, non-towered airports have no controllers to manage arrivals, departures, or traffic sequencing. Instead, pilots self-coordinate using the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to announce their positions and intentions.
This decentralized system depends on every pilot communicating clearly and following established procedures to avoid collisions and confusion.
When there’s no ATC, pilots must announce their position and intentions on CTAF to create a mental “picture” of where everyone is and what they’re doing. Typical calls include:
Initial call when entering the traffic pattern
Position reports on downwind, base, and final legs
Calls when taxiing, taking off, and landing
This two-way radio chatter keeps other pilots informed and reduces the chance of conflicts.
Most non-towered airports use standardized traffic patterns to keep everyone moving predictably:
Typically, all turns in the pattern are made to the left unless otherwise indicated (see FAR 91.126(b)(1))
Helicopters and powered parachutes are expected to avoid fixed-wing traffic flow (FAR 91.126(b)(2))
Pilots must use common procedures and radio calls to alert others where they are in the pattern
By announcing “entering left downwind for Runway 27” or “turning base,” pilots help others maintain safe spacing and anticipate each other’s moves.
Section (a): Requires pilots operating near non-towered airports in Class G airspace to comply with the rules in this section.
Section (b): Details turning directions and traffic pattern behavior:
Turns are generally to the left unless indicated otherwise by approved light signals or visual markings.
Helicopters and powered parachutes must stay clear of fixed-wing traffic flow.
Section (d): Requires pilots to maintain two-way radio communications with control towers when operating at towered airports. For non-towered airports, it emphasizes the use of CTAF for self-announcing.
This section highlights the importance of making position reports and maintaining situational awareness through radio use.
Requires pilots to maintain vigilance and see-and-avoid other aircraft.
Establishes right-of-way rules, such as:
Aircraft in distress always have the right-of-way.
When converging at the same altitude, aircraft to the right have priority.
Lower altitude aircraft on final approach have right-of-way over others.
Even in non-towered environments, these rules apply to keep traffic orderly and prevent accidents.
Use standard phraseology: “N123AB, entering left downwind Runway 18 at Springfield.”
Make calls early enough for other pilots to hear and respond.
Keep messages concise to avoid clogging the frequency.
Tune to the airport’s designated CTAF frequency before entering the area—usually found in sectional charts or airport directories.
Listen first to understand current traffic before transmitting.
If no CTAF is published, use UNICOM (often 122.9 MHz) for self-announcing.
Observe what other pilots are doing and match their pattern direction unless you have a safety reason not to.
Avoid unexpected maneuvers that could confuse others.
Call when taxiing onto the runway.
Announce when beginning your takeoff roll.
Report when clear of the runway.
Emergencies demand priority and clear communication:
Declare your emergency immediately: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” or “Pan-Pan” followed by your aircraft ID and nature of emergency.
Inform other pilots on frequency so they can give you space and be ready to assist if needed.
Even if your radio fails, try to maintain visual signals and coordinate with traffic if possible.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) technology broadcasts your position and lets you see other equipped aircraft nearby in real-time. While not a replacement for radio communication, it significantly enhances situational awareness at busy non-towered fields.
Operating safely at non-towered airports hinges on good radio communication and strict adherence to FAA procedures. When you announce your position and intentions clearly, listen actively, and follow standard patterns and right-of-way rules, you contribute to a safer environment for yourself and others.
Remember: the radio isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a vital tool to help all pilots share the sky without incident.
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, 10 miles west, inbound for landing, Springfield.”
Purpose: Let others know you’re approaching and plan to land.
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, entering left downwind Runway 27, Springfield.”
Purpose: Announce joining the standard traffic pattern on the downwind leg.
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, turning left base Runway 27, Springfield.”
Purpose: Let others know you’re turning base, so they can anticipate your next move.
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, turning final Runway 27, full stop, Springfield.”
Purpose: Announce final approach and intention to land and stay on the airport (not touch and go).
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, taxiing from ramp to Runway 27, ready for departure, Springfield.”
Purpose: Inform others you’re moving on the ground towards the active runway.
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, departing Runway 27, Springfield.”
Purpose: Let pilots know you’re beginning your takeoff roll and leaving the pattern.
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, departing to the west, Springfield.”
Purpose: Announce your departure from the airport vicinity, so others know you’re clear of the pattern.
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, going around, left traffic Runway 27, Springfield.”
Purpose: Inform others you’re aborting the landing and re-entering the pattern.
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, Cessna 123AB, engine failure, turning left base Runway 27, immediate landing, Springfield.”
Purpose: Declare an emergency and your intentions clearly.
“Springfield Traffic, Bell 206, 5 miles east, inbound for landing, will avoid fixed-wing traffic pattern, Springfield.”
Purpose: Inform other pilots of your presence and that you’ll stay clear of fixed-wing patterns, as required.
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, 2 miles east at 2,000 feet, no radio contact, Springfield.”
Purpose: Notify others of your position if unable to reach them on the radio.
“Springfield Traffic, Cessna 123AB, clear of Runway 27 at taxiway Alpha, taxiing to ramp, Springfield.”
Purpose: Let everyone know you’ve exited the runway, reducing confusion for departing traffic.
AOPA Non tower airport operations
AOPA Non tower airport operations.pdf
