Which statement about Aerodrome Traffic Frequency frequencies is true?

Which statement about Aerodrome Traffic Frequency frequencies is true?

• A. 122.8 MHz is used where a ground station exists; 123.2 MHz is used where no ground station exists
• B. 122.8 MHz is used only for weather broadcasts
• C. 123.2 MHz is used at all aerodromes
• D. 121.5 MHz is used for all ATF communications

Answer: (A)

Aerodrome Traffic Frequency is the radio channel pilots use to coordinate around an aerodrome when there isn’t a controlled facility guiding traffic. The key point is that the frequency depends on whether a ground station is installed. If a ground station exists, ATF uses 122.8 MHz so pilots can contact the local traffic service there. If no ground station is present, the ATF shifts to 123.2 MHz to provide a common channel for advisory communications. This setup ensures there’s always a shared frequency for pilots to announce position and intentions near the aerodrome, reducing the risk of conflicts. Weather broadcasts aren’t on the ATF channel; they come from separate meteorological or AWOS/ASOS services. And 121.5 MHz is reserved for distress and safety calls, not routine ATF communications.

Aerodrome Traffic Frequency is the radio channel pilots use to coordinate around an aerodrome when there isn’t a controlled facility guiding traffic. The key point is that the frequency depends on whether a ground station is installed. If a ground station exists, ATF uses 122.8 MHz so pilots can contact the local traffic service there. If no ground station is present, the ATF shifts to 123.2 MHz to provide a common channel for advisory communications. This setup ensures there’s always a shared frequency for pilots to announce position and intentions near the aerodrome, reducing the risk of conflicts. Weather broadcasts aren’t on the ATF channel; they come from separate meteorological or AWOS/ASOS services. And 121.5 MHz is reserved for distress and safety calls, not routine ATF communications.