FAA Ground School Practice Test

When should a pilot contact Ground Control after landing at a tower controlled airport?

1. Immediately after landing

2. When advised by the tower

3. When reaching the terminal

4. After taxiing to the parking area

The correct answer is: When advised by the tower

A pilot should contact Ground Control after landing at a tower-controlled airport when advised by the tower. This guideline is crucial for ensuring the safety and smooth operation of airport traffic. Following landing, the pilot remains in communication with the tower until they receive instructions regarding taxiing to the runway or terminal area. The tower's instructions will typically include when to switch frequencies to Ground Control. This ensures that the pilot is operating under the correct guidance tailored to the current situation at the airport, which can be dynamic and subject to change depending on traffic conditions. Contacting Ground Control at the appropriate time—specifically when directed by the tower—helps maintain an organized flow of aircraft movements on the ground, preventing confusion and potential conflicts with other aircraft or vehicles. It also emphasizes the importance of following air traffic control (ATC) protocols, which are in place to enhance safety and efficiency. In contrast, contacting Ground Control immediately after landing or when reaching the terminal could lead to miscommunications or overwhelm the frequency if other aircraft are still in the process of landing and taxiing. Similarly, waiting until after taxiing to the parking area would not comply with proper communication protocols, as Ground Control should be informed of a pilot's intentions and movements while on the ground.