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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-chart-ctaf

On a sectional chart, what does CTAF stand for?

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, the radio channel pilots share.

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  1. Control Tower Arrival Frequency
  2. Central Traffic Alert Function
  3. Common Traffic Advisory Frequency ✔

Why: At airports without an open tower, pilots tell each other where they are on one shared radio frequency. The chart marks that frequency as the CTAF.

Huh, didn't know that: The same airport data block can also list weather broadcasts like ATIS.

The dad joke
Why did the pilot keep talking on the CTAF? It was a very common frequency.
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References

Answer: Common Traffic Advisory Frequency. At airports without an open tower, pilots tell each other where they are on one shared radio frequency. The chart marks that frequency as the CTAF.

  1. FAA Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide (VFR Sectional Charts) aeronav.faa.gov/user_guide/cug-complete_20260709.pdf
    Follows the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. FAA Aeronautical Information Manual 4-1-9, Traffic Advisory Practices www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_1.html
    A CTAF is a frequency designated for the purpose of carrying out airport advisory practices
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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