AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/pilot-ctaf-10-miles

Inbound to a nontowered airport, from how far out should you monitor and talk on the CTAF?

From 10 miles out to landing.

Start playing free

  1. 5 miles
  2. 25 miles
  3. 10 miles ✔

Why: The CTAF is the shared frequency for airport advisories at nontowered airports. The AIM says inbound pilots should monitor and communicate on it from 10 miles to landing.

Huh, didn't know that: A CTAF can be a UNICOM, MULTICOM, FSS, or tower frequency, depending on the airport.

The dad joke
Did you hear about the two antennas that got married? The ceremony was boring, but the reception was excellent.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 10 miles. The CTAF is the shared frequency for airport advisories at nontowered airports. The AIM says inbound pilots should monitor and communicate on it from 10 miles to landing.

  1. AIM 4-1 Services Available to Pilots www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_1.html
    monitor and communicate as appropriate on the designated CTAF from 10 miles to landing.
    Checked 2026-10-07.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

FlyingOn a VFR cross-country and not talking to ATC, which frequency would you use in an emergency?FlyingOn the radio, what does 'Wilco' mean?FlyingWhat is the correct way to say 5,500 feet MSL to ATC?

That's stuff everyone should know.