Private Pilot Private Exam

Under what conditions are two-way radio communications with Air Traffic Control required for landings or takeoffs?

1. At all privately controlled airports regardless of weather conditions

2. At all tower controlled airports regardless of weather conditions

3. Only during instrument flight rules (IFR) operations

4. At airports with no control tower

The correct answer is: At all tower controlled airports regardless of weather conditions

Two-way radio communications with Air Traffic Control (ATC) are required at all tower-controlled airports regardless of weather conditions. This requirement ensures that ATC can provide necessary instructions and clearances to pilots, facilitating safe and efficient airport operations. Tower-controlled airports have established air traffic control towers that manage the flow of aircraft arriving and departing. As such, communication with ATC is essential to comply with the rules and procedures governing these operations. This includes obtaining takeoff and landing clearances, which are critical for maintaining safety in a busy airspace where multiple aircraft are operating simultaneously. At other types of airports, such as non-tower controlled airports or privately controlled airports, the requirements for communication may differ, and in certain conditions like Visual Flight Rules (VFR), pilots can operate without prior ATC coordination, although it is still good practice to communicate intentions in the interest of safety. However, the primary requirement for two-way communication remains at tower-controlled airports, which is why this option is the correct answer.