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ATC responsibility at a towered airport

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 16 of 22 on Operations / Airport Operations. ACS element UA.V.B.K1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAccording to the Remote Pilot Study Guide, what is air traffic control (ATC) responsible for providing at a towered airport?

  1. AWaivers for small unmanned aircraft operations under part 107
  2. BThe safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic
  3. CRegistration of aircraft based at the airport
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic

  • A — incorrect Certificates of waiver are issued by the FAA Administrator under § 107.200, not by the airport control tower.
  • B — correct The study guide states that at a towered airport ATC is responsible for providing the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic where the type of operations or volume of traffic requires that service.
  • C — incorrect Aircraft registration is handled under 14 CFR parts 47 and 48; it is not a function of a control tower.

BACKGROUND

An airport is any area of land or water used or intended for landing or takeoff of aircraft, including seaplane bases and heliports. The study guide divides airports into towered and non-towered types. A towered airport has an operating control tower, and air traffic control (ATC) provides the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic there. ATC service is provided where the type of operations or the volume of traffic requires it. Understanding what the tower does helps a remote pilot interpret the communications heard near such an airport.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the three-word description of ATC's job: safe, orderly, expeditious. The knowledge test often uses the study guide's own wording.

KEY POINTS

  • A towered airport has an operating control tower.
  • ATC provides the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic.
  • Waivers and registration are FAA functions, not tower functions.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch11 "Towered Airport"
  • 14 CFR 107.200(a)
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON OPERATIONS / AIRPORT OPERATIONS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.