At non-towered (pilot controlled) airports, one of the most common, and problematic, phrases heard on CTAF is:
“Any traffic in the area, please advise.”
While it might sound helpful, this phrase is actually discouraged in the Federal Aviation Administration Aeronautical Manual (AIM). Here’s why:
- Frequency congestion: When multiple airports share a common frequency (like 122.8, 122.9, or 123.0), asking for “any traffic” often causes multiple pilots to respond at once, stepping on each other’s transmissions. The result? Nobody hears anything.
- False sense of awareness: Even though no useful information is exchanged, pilots may feel reassured just because they asked. In reality, it provides no clear traffic picture.
Instead of asking for others to check in, the key is to focus on where you fit in the traffic flow.
What to Do Instead: Build Situational Awareness by Listening
A better alternative is to:
- Monitor the frequency early: start listening at least 10 miles out.
- Announce your position consistently: for slower aircraft, call every 2 miles (10,8,6, etc.). For faster aircraft, space it out (every 4 miles).
- Absorb the traffic picture: listen for who’s on downwind, who’s departing, and what types of aircraft are in the pattern.
By combining listening with well-timed position reports, you’ll know where you fit in the ecosystem and keep everyone safer.
Practical Example: Fitting Into the Pattern
Imagine being 10 miles out on a 45 to left downwind and hear:
- One aircraft on downwind,
- One just departed.
- Another is taxiing out
Now the pilot can anticipate how the flow will look when they arrive. The key is to balance speed differences too, a Piper Cub moves slowly, while a Mooney enters the pattern fast. Situational awareness of who’s where (and how quickly they’re moving) keeps the sequence organized without unnecessary chatter.
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