FAA Ground School Practice Test

Who should a departing VFR aircraft contact for radar traffic information during ground operations?

1. Flight Service Station

2. Ground Control

3. Tower Control

4. Approach Control

The correct answer is: Ground Control

A departing VFR aircraft should contact Ground Control for radar traffic information during ground operations. Ground Control is responsible for managing all movement on the airport surface, except for active runways. This includes taxiing aircraft to ensure safe and efficient operations. They have access to radar information and can provide awareness of other aircraft and vehicles on the ground, which is crucial for maintaining safety. While a Flight Service Station provides information primarily about weather and flight plan filing, and Tower Control is focused on managing active runways and airspace above the airport, they may not have the same level of detail regarding surface traffic as Ground Control. Approach Control typically manages traffic further from the airport during the departure and arrival phases, thus is not the immediate authority for ground operations. Therefore, contacting Ground Control ensures that the crew receives the most relevant and timely information for safely maneuvering on the airport surface before takeoff.