Do you use Ctaf or Unicom when tower is closed?

The CTAF is clearly labeled on aeronautical charts for every airport. It's shown with a C in a solid circle appearing after the CT (Control Tower), UNICOM, or MULTICOM frequency. At towered airports, the CTAF will be listed because it is used after a part-time tower closes for the night.



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When the tower is temporarily closed (or operated on a part-time basis), use the CTAF to self-announce your position or intentions, just like you do at Class E and G airports. Keep in mind, if the tower is due to open shortly, you should have their frequency tuned in advance to speak with the controller.

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UNICOM is a nongovernment air/ground radio communication station which may provide airport information at public use airports where there is no tower or FSS. On pilot request, UNICOM stations may provide pilots with weather information, wind direction, the recommended runway, or other necessary information.

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At some airports that have part-time control towers, the Class D surface airspace becomes a Class E Surface Area during the hours the tower is closed. At other airports, the Class D airspace becomes Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.

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CTAF Frequencies The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) or Unicom frequencies are typically used at nontowered airports. The most common are 122.7, 122.8, 122.9, 123.0. 123.050 MHz with 122.950 being the usual CTAF frequency of choice for airports with a tower.

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Many Class C airspaces do not have a full-time tower and the airspace reverts to Class E or G when the tower is closed.

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The PAVE checklist is a great way to evaluate your personal minimums and hazards you could experience when flying. Each letter stands for a different risk when flying; Personal/Pilot, Aircraft, EnVironment, and External Pressures. These are the factors a pilot must take into account when making their decision to fly.

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Common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) is the name given to the VHF radio frequency used for air-to-air communication at United States, Canadian and Australian non-towered airports.

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