FAA Ground School Practice Test

At a non-tower satellite airport within Class D airspace, who must maintain radio communication?

1. The primary airport's control tower

2. The nearest traffic control center

3. Other pilots in the area

4. No communication is required

The correct answer is: The primary airport's control tower

In the context of operations at a non-tower satellite airport within Class D airspace, the primary airport's control tower is responsible for maintaining radio communication. Class D airspace is designed to provide an operational environment where the control tower can manage the flow of traffic safely and efficiently. The control tower at the primary airport oversees the airspace and is tasked with ensuring that pilots operating within that area have the necessary information about traffic, weather, and other pertinent operational data. It's important to recognize that the presence of a control tower signifies that there are established communication protocols to follow, allowing for organized traffic management. Therefore, all pilots operating in the vicinity of that airspace are required to maintain two-way communication with the control tower to ensure safety and coordination, especially considering that Class D airspace can be busy due to its proximity to the primary airport. In contrast, the other options pose situations that do not align with the operational requirements of Class D airspace. While nearby air traffic control centers and other pilots may contribute to overall safety, the specific responsibility for maintaining communication lies directly with the control tower of the primary airport. This structure ensures that the control tower has comprehensive oversight of air traffic in the area, which is essential for flight safety.