Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What should pilots of departing aircraft at uncontrolled airports do?

1. Communicate only after takeoff

2. Monitor and communicate on the designated CTAF from startup

3. Use their transponder exclusively

4. Remain silent to avoid congestion

The correct answer is: Monitor and communicate on the designated CTAF from startup

Pilots of departing aircraft at uncontrolled airports should monitor and communicate on the designated Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) from startup. This is important because it allows pilots to announce their intentions and listen for other traffic in the area. By doing so, they contribute to overall situational awareness among all pilots operating in that airspace, helping to avoid potential collisions. Effective communication on CTAF is essential for safety, especially at uncontrolled airports where there is no control tower to manage traffic. By announcing their position during ground operations, taxiing, and when taking off, pilots ensure that others are aware of their movements, which is crucial in busy or congested environments. Using the transponder is indeed a good practice for visibility, but it should not replace communication on the CTAF. Remaining silent can lead to increased risk as pilots may not be aware of other aircraft's intentions in the vicinity. Thus, monitoring and communicating on the designated CTAF enriches the collaborative nature of flying and enhances safety for everyone involved.