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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sport-multicom-122-9

Which frequency should you use to self-announce where there is no tower, FSS or UNICOM?

122.9, the MULTICOM frequency.

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  1. 121.5
  2. 122.9 ✔
  3. 123.3

Why: At an airport with no tower, FSS or UNICOM, there is no one to talk to, so pilots broadcast their position and intentions on MULTICOM 122.9 for other traffic.

Huh, didn't know that: The CTAF may be a UNICOM, MULTICOM, FSS or tower frequency, depending on the airport.

The dad joke
Self-announce is the only place where it's polite to talk to yourself on the radio.
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References

Answer: 122.9. At an airport with no tower, FSS or UNICOM, there is no one to talk to, so pilots broadcast their position and intentions on MULTICOM 122.9 for other traffic.

  1. FAA AIM 4-1-9 Traffic Advisory Practices www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_1.html
    use MULTICOM frequency 122.9 for self-announce procedures.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. FAA AIM 4-1-9 Traffic Advisory Practices www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_1.html
    The CTAF may be a UNICOM, MULTICOM, FSS, or tower frequency and is identified in appropriate aeronautical publications.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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