VATUSA, the USA division of VATSIM, the popular online virtual air traffic control network, has announced the upcoming trial of real-world Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies (CTAF) within the division’s airspace. Beginning on 1st March 2024, when air traffic services are not available at the departure or destination airport, pilots flying in VATUSA’s airspace should utilise the airport’s corresponding real-world Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to self-announce their aircraft’s position and de-conflict with other traffic.
Currently, VATSIM users monitor UNICOM on 122.800 MHz when air traffic services are not available, regardless of the real-world airport’s designated CTAF. VATUSA’s CTAF trial changes this practice based on the following rationale and clarification in terminology. According to the announcement: “In the real world, UNICOM frequencies are used to communicate with non-ATC ground stations such as Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at an airport. The correct terminology for the frequencies used by pilots to coordinate amongst themselves is CTAF.”
While flying in VATSIM’s USA division during the trial period, pilots are encouraged to still use 122.800 for enroute air traffic de-confliction and arrival coordination (when not in airspace that would otherwise be covered by a CTAF). During the trial period when ATC services are not available, pilots should now switch to the airport’s specific real-world CTAF within 15 nautical miles and below 5,000 ft, or within 20 nautical miles and below 10,000 ft at larger airports, such as Class Bravo airports. However, when ATC positions are staffed and providing services for the departure or destination airport, no change in procedure is required as those facilities will continue to provide coverage as before.
Pilots can learn more about “How to use a CTAF”, “Which Frequency to use” & “special cases” in VATSIM’s Pilot Learning Center > FAQ > CTAF Trial or visit vats.im/ctaf-trial
This latest CTAF trial follows VATSIM’s successful trialing of 8.33 kHz Frequency spacing, which was adopted by the network last year. While VATSIM states that the CTAF trial may last up to 6 months after the 1st of March start date, no exact timeframe for its adoption, if the trial is successful, has been disclosed.
