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2 Answers

Frequencies to use when tower is closed

Asked by: 5326 views Airspace, FAA Regulations

Last night, after the students night cross country flight, we approached our home field after the tower closed and made the usual position reports on CTAF (which is the tower frequency) . After departing the runway we advised traffic that we were clear of the runway and on taxiway "X" and proceeding to a specified parking area. This was all done on the tower frequency, which reverts to CTAF when the tower is closed. The airfield we are based at has a taxiway that leads into the parking area. To my suprise just before turning on to the taxiway I noticed an aircraft on that taxiway. We stopped and avoided a nose to nose situation. Now the question. We were on CTAF which I believe is correct. Should we have switched to the ground frequency while taxiing even though the tower and ground control have gone home for the night. Thanks  

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2 Answers



  1. John D. Collins on Jul 16, 2013

    I would stay on the CTAF frequency, but when the tower is closed, you need to use extra vigilance as other aircraft may not be using the radio at all or on any one of several frequencies.

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  2. Ale on Jul 17, 2013

    “USING CTAF 
    a. Airport Operations Without Operating Control Tower
    1. There is no substitute for alertness while in the vicinity of an airport…..this is of particular importance since other aircraft may not have communication capability or, in some cases, pilots may not communicate their presence or intentions when operating into or out of such airports.”

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