Introducing:
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
Designated radio frequency used by pilots to communicate with each other at airports that do not have a control tower, or when the tower is closed.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
Air Traffic Control (ATC) is responsible for managing and directing aircraft within controlled airspace, providing instructions for takeoffs, landings, and navigation to maintain safe separation between aircraft.
This system is essential at airports with control towers and in other controlled airspace, where active oversight is required due to high traffic density or safety concerns.
However, in areas without ATC oversight, such as at airports without control towers or in uncontrolled airspace, pilots rely on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF).
CTAF allows pilots to communicate directly with each other, announcing their position and intentions, to ensure safe coordination during takeoffs, landings, and other maneuvers.
Unlike ATC, which actively directs air traffic, CTAF relies on pilots to self-coordinate, ensuring safety in areas where ATC services are unavailable.
Therefore, at airports with ATC, pilots must follow ATC instructions, while at airports with no ATC, pilots use CTAF to manage operations collaboratively.
How to Locate CTAF Frequencies at Airports
The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for airports can be found on both aeronautical charts and in the Chart Supplement.
You can find airspace details and the CTAF frequency near an airport by checking the sectional chart. Alternatively, check the Chart Supplement (formerly known as the Airport Directory), which provides comprehensive information on airports nationwide.
CTAF info on Sectional Chart
On a sectional chart, the CTAF frequency can be found near the airport symbol.
It is listed just in front of the letter “C” enclosed in a circle, which represents the CTAF designation. The “C” will be in a magenta circle for airports without an ATC tower, and in a blue circle for airports that do have an ATC tower.
In the example below at Toledo Exec Airport, the CTAF frequency is 123.05.
CTAF info on Chart Supplement
In the example, below you’ll see Santa Monica Airport (SMO) has a CTAF frequency of 120.1, which is highlighted in orange.
Sectional Chart CTAF Location Practice
Hover over where it says “ANSWER” to view the correct answer, or look at the guide below the graphic.
