Within how many nautical miles should UA operators monitor the tower frequency when deploying near an airport?

Within how many nautical miles should UA operators monitor the tower frequency when deploying near an airport?

• A. 10 NM
• B. 5 NM
• C. 2 NM
• D. 15 NM

Answer: (B)

Staying aware of manned aircraft activity near airports is essential for safe UAS operations. Monitoring the tower frequency within five nautical miles of an airport gives you timely access to ATC instructions and any traffic that could affect your flight, allowing you to react quickly and avoid conflicts as aircraft approach or depart. Five nautical miles is the standard distance taught for maintaining this monitoring because it balances early notice with practical listening coverage of runway activity and air traffic patterns. The other distances either don’t provide the(expected level of notice) or extend beyond the usual guidance, which is why they aren’t the correct choice.

Staying aware of manned aircraft activity near airports is essential for safe UAS operations. Monitoring the tower frequency within five nautical miles of an airport gives you timely access to ATC instructions and any traffic that could affect your flight, allowing you to react quickly and avoid conflicts as aircraft approach or depart.

Five nautical miles is the standard distance taught for maintaining this monitoring because it balances early notice with practical listening coverage of runway activity and air traffic patterns. The other distances either don’t provide the(expected level of notice) or extend beyond the usual guidance, which is why they aren’t the correct choice.