FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the recommended distance at which inbound traffic should continuously monitor the appropriate facility at an airport without a control tower?

1. 5 miles

2. 10 miles

3. 15 miles

4. 20 miles

The correct answer is: 10 miles

The recommended distance for inbound traffic to continuously monitor the appropriate facility at an airport without a control tower is 10 miles. This distance allows pilots to receive timely updates on the airport's conditions, traffic, and any other pertinent information that can affect their approach and landing. Monitoring communications from this range provides pilots the opportunity to assess the situation and make informed decisions regarding their approach and landing sequence, particularly in an uncontrolled environment where they need to be vigilant about other traffic in the vicinity. Maintaining a 10-mile distance also facilitates better situational awareness, allowing inbound pilots to plan their descent and approach to the airport while being able to communicate with other planes and the Unicom frequency if available. This practice is essential for ensuring safety and efficiency during the approach phase, especially in the absence of an air traffic control presence.