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Remote pilot use of an active aviation frequency

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 20 of 22 on Operations / Emergency Procedures. ACS element UA.V.C.K5 · 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 a small unmanned aircraft near an airport without an operating control tower carries a radio tuned to the common traffic advisory frequency. How should the remote pilot use that frequency?

  1. AMonitor it, and transmit only in an emergency
  2. BTransmit position reports before every takeoff
  3. CAvoid carrying a radio near the airport
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Monitor it, and transmit only in an emergency

  • A — correct The study guide states that monitoring the appropriate frequencies is good operating practice, and that a remote pilot should refrain from transmitting over any active aviation frequency unless there is an emergency situation.
  • B — incorrect Routine broadcasts by a remote pilot are not called for; transmitting on an active aviation frequency is reserved for an emergency situation.
  • C — incorrect Carrying a radio is described as good operating practice because monitoring adds a layer of situational awareness about other aircraft.

BACKGROUND

Radio communication in the National Airspace System (NAS) is built around shared frequencies, so every transmission occupies spectrum that manned aircraft also need. The Remote Pilot study guide notes that small unmanned aircraft (small UA) pilots are not expected to communicate over radio frequencies, but that understanding aviation language helps them build situational awareness. At an airport without an operating control tower, radio-equipped aircraft transmit and receive on a common frequency, and the study guide advises small UA pilots to monitor that traffic. It adds that although 14 CFR part 107 only requires the remote pilot to receive authorization to operate in certain airport areas, having a radio to monitor the appropriate frequencies can be good operating practice. The associated limitation is on transmitting: the remote pilot should stay off any active aviation frequency unless there is an emergency.

STUDY TIP

Remember the split between listening and talking: monitoring an aviation frequency is encouraged, while transmitting on one is limited to an emergency. Also keep straight that a radio is a situational-awareness aid, not a part 107 requirement.

KEY POINTS

  • A remote pilot may monitor the common traffic advisory frequency for situational awareness near a non-towered airport.
  • The remote pilot should refrain from transmitting over any active aviation frequency unless there is an emergency.
  • Carrying a radio is good operating practice, but 14 CFR part 107 requires only authorization to operate in certain airport areas, not radio use.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch7 "Aircraft Call Signs"
  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch7 "Airport Operations without Operating Control Tower"
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON OPERATIONS / EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

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.