Safety Spotlight

Are you reaping all the benefits of flying? Although it's possible for a pilot to avoid towered airports, doing so impacts the flexibility and utility of flying. With the addition of Air Traffic Control requiring clearances and added communication, knowing and following the recommended procedures is essential. Whether you have radio jitters, confusion concerning clearances, or just want to learn more about operations at towered airports, this Safety Hot Spot can help.

	Get Started
	Here's a review of what you need to know — and bring — before you go.
	Operations at Towered Airports Checkup Kneeboard format (PDF file — 32KB) | HTML format

	Great Learning Tools
	Articles and other online resources from AOPA, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, and the FAA that get you ready for operations at towered airports.
	Publications Safety Advisors Operations at Towered Airports (PDF file — 696KB) Collision Avoidance (PDF file — 567KB) Safety Pilot articles in AOPA Pilot: Radio pros and clods Landmark Accidents: Chain reaction Pilot/controller responsibilities Just say "unable" Runway incursions Wake turbulence Don't get LAHSOed Flight Training articles: Great expectations Towered troubles Learning the right words Now you're talking Airport Taxi Diagrams Accessible to AOPA members: AOPA's Airport Directory Online Flash Cards: Runway signs and markings Create your own (PDF file — 927KB) Quick reference sheet (PDF file — 81KB) PowerPoint presentation	Other Information Resources Free Online Course: Runway Safety Free Safety Seminar: Say it Right! Radio Comm in Today's Airspace General aviation accident data: Collisions at towered airports between 1999-2003 from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Accident Database FAA Runway Safety Report: Runway Incursions Trends and Initiatives at Towered Airports in the United States, FY2000-FY2003 FAA Advisory Circular 91-73A: Part 91 and Part 135 Single-Pilot Procedures during Taxi Operations FAA Advisory Circular 120-74A: Parts 91, 121, 125, and 135 Flightcrew Procedures during Taxi Operations FAA Advisory Circular 90-23f: Aircraft Wake Turbulence Video Clips Principles for safe towered airport operations — 01:42 Communication tips — 01:00 Sample communication between pilot and ATC — 01:58

	Take a Checkride
	Think you're ready? Find out if you're prepared for your next flight into a towered airport.
	Sporty's Safety Quizzes
	Operations at Towered Airports Wake Turbulence Class B Airspace Airport Lighting — VFR Airport Lighting — IFR

	Related Web Sites
	FAA Office of Runway Safety  Unzip and download the FAA video Airport Signs, Markings and Procedures FAA Handbook: Runway Safety: It's Everybody's Business

	Safety Hot Spot Archive
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