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See and avoid when the CTAF is quiet

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 34 of 34 on Regulations / Operating Rules. ACS element UA.I.B.K16 · 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 non-towered airport monitors the common traffic advisory frequency and hears no broadcasts for several minutes. What should the remote pilot conclude?

  1. ANo manned aircraft are in the airport traffic pattern
  2. BAircraft may be nearby without making a broadcast
  3. CThe airport is closed to arriving traffic
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Aircraft may be nearby without making a broadcast

  • A — incorrect Silence proves nothing about traffic, because pilots at a non-towered airport are not required by regulation to broadcast their position.
  • B — correct The study guide states that although making radio broadcasts near a non-towered airport is good operating practice, by regulation it is not mandatory, so silence on the frequency does not mean the area is clear.
  • C — incorrect A quiet frequency is not an indication that an airport is closed; the study guide treats the radio only as an extra layer of situational awareness.

BACKGROUND

The Remote Pilot study guide tells remote pilots that they must always scan the area where they are operating a small unmanned aircraft, and that this is especially important around an airport. It then explains that while making radio broadcasts in the vicinity of a non-towered airport is good operating practice for manned aircraft, by regulation it is not mandatory. For that reason the remote pilot must always look for other aircraft in the area and use a radio only as an extra layer of situational awareness. The guide also notes that part 107 requires the remote pilot to obtain authorization for certain airport airspace, while monitoring the appropriate frequencies is a good operating practice rather than a requirement. A remote pilot should not transmit on an active aviation frequency except in an emergency situation.

STUDY TIP

Treat the radio as an aid that supplements your eyes, never as proof that the sky is empty. Build the habit of scanning continuously whenever you operate near an airport.

KEY POINTS

  • Radio broadcasts near a non-towered airport are good practice but not required by regulation.
  • A silent frequency does not mean there is no traffic in the area.
  • The remote pilot must always look for other aircraft and use the radio only as added awareness.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch7 "Radio Communication Procedures", non-towered airport broadcasts
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
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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.