Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What is considered a safe practice when operating in Class D airspace?

1. Establishing two-way radio communication with the control tower.

2. Flying at any altitude as long as traffic is monitored.

3. Maintaining a visual reference to the ground at all times.

4. Making repetitive patterns for training purposes without clearance.

The correct answer is: Establishing two-way radio communication with the control tower.

Establishing two-way radio communication with the control tower is considered a safe practice when operating in Class D airspace because it ensures that pilots are receiving critical information regarding traffic, weather, and any other pertinent instructions from air traffic control. Class D airspace typically has an operational control tower, and communication with that tower is key to maintaining safe operations. By establishing this communication, pilots can confirm their intentions, receive clearances for takeoff and landing, and be informed of any potential conflicts with other aircraft in the vicinity. This practice enhances situational awareness and contributes to the overall safety of flight operations in environments where multiple aircraft may be operating close together. While monitoring traffic visually and maintaining a visual reference to the ground can be important aspects of flying, these practices alone do not provide the comprehensive situational awareness and safety assurances that come from active communication with air traffic control in Class D airspace. Additionally, making repetitive patterns without clearance can lead to potential safety hazards and is not consistent with safe operational practices in controlled airspace.