SkyDrill

Using a radio near a towered airport

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 17 of 22 on Operations / Airport Operations. ACS element UA.V.B.K1 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA remote pilot operating near a towered airport carries a handheld aviation radio. According to the study guide, how should the radio be used?

  1. ATo transmit a position report to the tower before every launch
  2. BTo request a takeoff clearance from the tower on each flight
  3. CTo monitor the appropriate frequencies without transmitting
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. To monitor the appropriate frequencies without transmitting

  • A — incorrect A remote pilot is not expected to communicate with other aircraft or the tower and should not transmit unless there is an emergency situation.
  • B — incorrect Airspace authorization near an airport comes through the process in § 107.41, not through a radio clearance request; the guide tells remote pilots to refrain from transmitting.
  • C — correct The study guide says it can be good practice to have a radio to monitor the appropriate frequencies, and that the remote pilot should refrain from transmitting over any active aviation frequency unless there is an emergency.

BACKGROUND

Chapter 7 of the study guide explains that when operating in the vicinity of any airport, towered or non-towered, it is important for a remote pilot to understand the radio communications of manned aircraft in the area. Although 14 CFR part 107 only requires the remote pilot to receive authorization to operate in certain airport areas (§ 107.41), carrying a radio to monitor the appropriate frequencies is described as a good operating practice. The radio is for listening: the remote pilot should refrain from transmitting over any active aviation frequency unless there is an emergency. Listening to tower and pilot transmissions gives an extra layer of situational awareness about aircraft that may be operating near the small unmanned aircraft.

STUDY TIP

Think of the radio as a listening tool. Any question that has the remote pilot routinely transmitting to ATC or other aircraft is describing the wrong practice.

KEY POINTS

  • A radio lets the remote pilot monitor ATC and pilot communications for situational awareness.
  • Remote pilots should not transmit on an active aviation frequency except in an emergency.
  • Operating in certain airspace requires ATC authorization under § 107.41, which is separate from radio use.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch7 "Aircraft Call Signs"
  • 14 CFR 107.41
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.