AIM ¶ 4-1-10 — CTAF IFR Approach Procedures
AIM 4-1-10 explains CTAF use during IFR approaches, ground vehicle radio procedures, and pilot-controlled lighting at non-towered airports.
In Plain English
AIM 4-1-10 covers three related topics tied to the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) at non-towered airports.
- IFR Approaches: When ATC approves a frequency change from the approach controller, switch expeditiously to the CTAF and use standard self-announce traffic advisory procedures. This lets you broadcast your position and intentions to VFR traffic in the pattern.
- Ground Vehicle Operations: Airport vehicles with radios should monitor the CTAF while on the movement area and stay clear of active runways and taxiways. Their radio calls should be limited to safety-related matters only — no chatter.
- Radio Control of Airport Lighting: Where possible, pilot-controlled lighting is keyed on the CTAF itself. That way you don't need to leave CTAF to activate the runway lights, and you maintain a continuous listening watch on one frequency. The CTAF is published on the instrument approach chart and other aeronautical publications.
These are recommended practices that improve situational awareness and reduce runway incursion and traffic conflict risk at non-towered fields.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 4-1-104-1-10. 4-1-10. IFR Approaches/Ground Vehicle Operations
IFR Approaches. When operating in accordance with an IFR clearance and ATC approves a change to the advisory frequency, make an expeditious change to the CTAF and employ the recommended traffic advisory procedures. Ground Vehicle Operation. Airport ground vehicles equipped with radios should monitor the CTAF frequency when operating on the airport movement area and remain clear of runways/taxiways being used by aircraft. Radio transmissions from ground vehicles should be confined to safety‐related matters. Radio Control of Airport Lighting Systems. Whenever possible, the CTAF will be used to control airport lighting systems at airports without operating control towers. This eliminates the need for pilots to change frequencies to turn the lights on and allows a continuous listening watch on a single frequency. The CTAF is published on the instrument approach chart and in other appropriate aeronautical information publications.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1On an IFR approach to a non-towered airport, when should you switch to CTAF?
Per AIM 4-1-10, when ATC approves a change to the advisory frequency, make an expeditious change to the CTAF and employ the recommended traffic advisory procedures.
Q2What are the radio expectations for ground vehicles operating on a non-towered airport?
Per AIM 4-1-10, radio-equipped ground vehicles should monitor the CTAF while on the movement area, remain clear of runways/taxiways being used by aircraft, and limit transmissions to safety-related matters.
Q3Why is the CTAF typically used to control airport lighting at non-towered airports, and where do you find that frequency?
Per AIM 4-1-10, using the CTAF for pilot-controlled lighting eliminates the need to change frequencies to turn the lights on and allows a continuous listening watch on one frequency. The CTAF is published on the instrument approach chart and in other appropriate aeronautical information publications.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4