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Distance for initial inbound broadcast

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 11 of 15 on Operations / Radio Communications. ACS element UA.V.A.K3 · 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 monitoring the CTAF near a non-towered airport hears a manned aircraft make its initial 'broadcast in the blind' as it approaches to land. Under standard operating practice, how far from the airport is that aircraft when it makes this call?

  1. A10 miles from the airport
  2. B5 miles from the airport
  3. C1 mile from the airport, on final approach
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 10 miles from the airport

  • A — correct The study guide states that the standard practice for an inbound manned aircraft is to broadcast in the blind when 10 miles from the airport, including its position relative to north, south, east, or west.
  • B — incorrect The guide gives 10 miles, not 5, as the distance for the initial inbound broadcast.
  • C — incorrect A one-mile call appears in the guide only as an example for an aircraft on a straight-in instrument approach, not as the initial inbound broadcast.

BACKGROUND

When a manned aircraft is inbound to a non-towered airport, the standard operating practice is for the pilot to 'broadcast in the blind' when 10 miles from the airport. This initial call includes the aircraft's position relative to north, south, east, or west of the airport, such as '10 miles south inbound for landing'. Later broadcasts report pattern entry, base, final, and clearing the runway. A remote pilot who hears the 10-mile call knows that a manned aircraft will arrive in the area within minutes and can plan the small unmanned aircraft operation accordingly.

STUDY TIP

Link the number 10 miles with the phrase 'broadcast in the blind'. Also note the call includes a cardinal direction from the airport, which tells you which side to watch.

KEY POINTS

  • Inbound manned aircraft broadcast in the blind at 10 miles from the airport.
  • The call includes the position (north, south, east, or west) relative to the airport.
  • Hearing this call gives a remote pilot early warning of arriving traffic.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch7 "Recommended Traffic Advisory Practices"
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON OPERATIONS / RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

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.