Jazmin Li
Pilots use a variety of frequencies to communicate with each other and with airport staff. Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is a frequency used by pilots to communicate with each other and coordinate their movements when there is no control tower or when the tower is closed. UNICOM, on the other hand, is a non-government communication facility that provides airport information and services at certain airports, especially smaller ones. UNICOM frequencies are typically used to contact Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), which are private businesses that offer services like fueling, aircraft parking, and maintenance. While CTAF and UNICOM frequencies are often different, they can sometimes be the same, in which case pilots use the same frequency for both inter-pilot communication and contacting airport staff.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To obtain airport advisories and communicate with airport staff |
| Airports with Control Tower | Use UNICOM when the tower is closed or part-time |
| Airports without Control Tower | Use UNICOM to communicate with other pilots and airport staff |
| Common Frequencies | 122.8, 122.7, 122.725, 122.975, 123.0, 123.05, 123.075, 122.950 |
| CTAF | Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, used for self-announcements and communicating with other pilots |
| MULTICOM | Similar to UNICOM but may not be monitored, used at airports without official UNICOM |
| FSS | Available only in Alaska, provides airport advisories |
| Finding Frequencies | Refer to aeronautical charts, airport directories, or apps like ForeFlight |
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What You'll Learn
CTAF and UNICOM frequencies are often the same
CTAF, or Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, is a radio frequency that pilots use to communicate with each other. It is used when an airport doesn't have a control tower or when the tower is closed. Pilots use CTAF to share their position, altitude, and intentions with others in the area, allowing them to coordinate their movements and avoid collisions. CTAF frequencies are identified in aeronautical charts and publications for each airport.
UNICOM, on the other hand, is an Aeronautical Advisory Station and a non-government air/ground radio communication service. Pilots use UNICOM to communicate with airport staff, typically at small airports. Through UNICOM, pilots can request information about the weather, fuel, services, and updates on airport conditions. UNICOM frequencies are generally operated by Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), which are private businesses providing services such as fueling, aircraft parking, and maintenance.
While CTAF and UNICOM serve different purposes, they can sometimes share the same frequency. In these cases, pilots use the same radio frequency to communicate with both other pilots and airport staff. For example, a pilot might use "Addison Traffic" to self-announce their position on the CTAF and "Addison UNICOM" to contact someone at the FBO.
In the United States, many non-towered airports use the same frequency for both CTAF and UNICOM. Pilots should refer to sectional charts and Chart Supplements to determine the appropriate frequency for CTAF before operating at a given airport. It is important to note that even when CTAF and UNICOM share a frequency, they are still referred to by their respective names based on the context of the communication.
To summarise, CTAF and UNICOM frequencies are often the same at some airports, particularly those that are non-towered or have part-time towers. In these cases, pilots use the same radio frequency for both inter-pilot communication and communication with airport staff.
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UNICOM is a non-governmental service
UNICOM, or Universal Communication, is a non-governmental communication facility used at airports that do not have control towers. It operates on a standard radio frequency to facilitate local pilot communication and communication between pilots and Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) for administrative and operational purposes. UNICOM is an indispensable tool in aviation, particularly at non-towered airports, as it provides a platform for essential information exchange and coordination.
UNICOM is a vital link between pilots and FBOs, enabling pilots to access various services, including fueling, hangar space, and ground transportation arrangements. It also facilitates direct communication among pilots, allowing them to share vital information about local traffic patterns, runway usage, and other safety-related details. This direct pilot-to-pilot communication helps prevent conflicts on the ground and in the air, promoting safer and more efficient flight operations.
At airports without operating control towers, pilots can communicate their intentions and obtain airport/traffic information in three ways: by communicating with an FSS (available only in Alaska), a UNICOM operator, or by making a self-announce broadcast on the CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency). The CTAF is a designated frequency for carrying out airport advisory practices and is identified in aeronautical publications. Pilots can use the CTAF to share their position, altitude, and intentions with other pilots in the area, thus coordinating their movements and avoiding collisions.
While UNICOM used to provide pilots with information about airport conditions, such as wind direction and weather, this service has now been largely replaced by automated weather observers. Today, UNICOM is more commonly used by pilots to contact FBOs directly and request services. It is important to note that UNICOM and CTAF frequencies can sometimes be the same, but they serve different purposes. While CTAF is used for coordinating with other pilots, UNICOM is used to obtain services and information from the airport staff.
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Pilots use CTAF to communicate with each other
Pilots use CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) to communicate with each other, particularly in uncontrolled airspace where pilots need to coordinate their movements and maintain safe distances to avoid collisions. CTAF is a shared frequency that allows pilots to self-announce their positions, altitudes, and intentions to other pilots in the vicinity. This self-coordination is essential for preventing mid-air collisions and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic.
CTAF is used at airports without a control tower or when the tower is closed, such as during nighttime hours. Pilots can use CTAF to share their position, altitude, and intentions with others, allowing them to anticipate each other's movements. This dual communication system enhances safety by providing multiple sources of information. Pilots must listen carefully to each transmission and respond appropriately, which may include altering their flight path or waiting for a break in traffic before making their own announcement.
CTAF is also used in emergency situations, where a pilot can alert other pilots and request assistance. It can also be used to communicate with ground personnel, such as those handling emergency response, fueling, or baggage.
CTAF frequencies can be found using aeronautical charts, sectional charts, Chart Supplements, and flight planning tools. It is important for pilots to determine the appropriate CTAF frequency for an airport before operating there.
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UNICOM is like a customer service desk
UNICOM, or Universal Communication, is an Aeronautical Advisory Station, which is a non-government facility that provides pilots with airport information. It is like a customer service desk at an airport, where pilots can ask for information about the weather, request fuel or other services, and get updates on airport conditions.
UNICOM frequencies are typically operated by Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), which are private businesses that offer services like fueling, aircraft parking, and maintenance. Pilots can use UNICOM to talk to airport staff, usually at small airports.
UNICOM is different from Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), which is a frequency at an airport that allows pilots to self-announce their intentions and communicate with one another. CTAF is used at uncontrolled (non-towered) airports, where pilots talk to each other instead of a person on the ground who provides instructions.
At some airports, the CTAF and UNICOM frequencies might be the same, so pilots use the same radio frequency for talking to other pilots and contacting airport staff. However, the services are still called CTAF and UNICOM, even when they share the same frequency.
UNICOM frequencies are published in the Chart Supplement and approach charts, and can also be found using flight planning tools like ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, or SkyVector.
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UNICOM is rarely used for airport advisories
UNICOM, or Universal Communications, is a radio frequency that pilots use to communicate with airport staff, usually at small airports. It is a non-government air/ground radio communication facility that may provide airport information at public-use airports where there is no tower or FSS (Flight Service Station).
Historically, UNICOM was a non-government facility that could provide a pilot with information about an airport. In practice, an FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) or airport worker in the field could look at the windsock and tell the pilot about the field conditions.
However, this service has been replaced by automated weather observers, like ASOS or AWOS stations. As a result, UNICOM is rarely used to provide airport advisories anymore. Today, it is more commonly used to call an FBO directly and ask for services.
Pilots can use UNICOM to ask for information about the weather, request fuel or other services, and get updates on airport conditions. UNICOM frequencies are typically operated by FBOs, which are private businesses that offer services like fueling, aircraft parking, and maintenance.
It's important to note that not every airport or FBO has an active UNICOM that is always manned. When a UNICOM is available, the range of non-control services can be extensive. These services can include airport operational and support services, such as aircraft storage and fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
UNICOM (Universal Communication) is a non-government air/ground radio communication facility that provides advisory services at uncontrolled aerodromes and airports. It is also used to request non-flight services such as a taxi or fuel.
CTAF stands for Common Traffic Advisory Frequency. It is a frequency used by pilots to communicate with each other and coordinate their movements when there is no control tower at an airport.
Yes, UNICOM may provide airport information at public-use airports where there is no tower or FSS. Pilots can request weather information, wind direction, the recommended runway, and other necessary information.
UNICOM is used to talk to airport staff and request services and information. CTAF is used by pilots to communicate with each other and self-announce their position and intentions.
CTAF is used when there is no control tower at an airport or when the tower is closed.
