Operations at Nontowered Airports Can Be Tricky

A new FAA AC cautions against performing a straight-in approach to a nontowered airport when there are other aircraft in the pattern.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 01:20 PM ET

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There are nearly 20,000 nontowered airports in the U.S. [Credit: Julie Boatman]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA's new Advisory Circular (AC 90-66C) provides updated guidance and best practices for pilots operating at the majority of U.S. airports without control towers.
A primary caution highlighted in the AC is against performing straight-in approaches at nontowered airports, especially when other aircraft are in the pattern, citing a fatal mid-air collision as a severe consequence.
The AC strongly emphasizes the importance of clear, timely communication on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) using descriptive position reports, and strict adherence to proper traffic pattern entry, flow, and exit procedures.
Pilots are reminded to always prioritize right-of-way rules, maintain vigilant situational awareness, be aware of specific pattern designations (like "RP" for Right Pattern), and use lights for maximum aircraft visibility.

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One of the first surprises for many people learning to fly is that not every airport has a control tower. In fact, the majority of them don’t.

The FAA recognizes this and has released a new advisory circular (AC) covering nontowered airport operations. While ACs are not regulatory in nature, they offer guidance for best practices. Much of the information should be a review for most pilots, as it is also covered in The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Chapter 4 of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).