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Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

January 28, 2026/in Video Tips/by Eric Radtke

Flying to and from an airport in Class D airspace is one of the more common communication scenarios a pilot will encounter. While no two airports will function exactly the same, here are some key tips for confidence and success.

Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

January 27, 2026/in Tips and technique/by Eric Radtke

With winter weather affecting airports across the country, understanding Runway Condition Codes (RwyCC) is essential for pilots planning flights in snow or ice. These codes, published in FICON NOTAMs, give a standardized view of runway surface conditions, helping you evaluate braking performance and make safer go/no-go decisions before landing or departing.

Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

January 28, 2026/in Video Tips/by Eric Radtke

Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

January 27, 2026/in Tips and technique/by Eric Radtke

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Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

January 28, 2026/in Video Tips/by Eric Radtke

Know the Airspace Dimensions: Class D airspace typically extends from the surface up to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation, but it can vary. Always check the specifics for the airport you’re operating near, as depicted on the sectional chart.
Communication is Key: You must establish two-way radio communication with the control tower before entering Class D airspace. This means you need to contact the tower on the appropriate frequency and receive a response.
Read Back Clearances: When you receive instructions or clearances from the tower, read them back to confirm you’ve understood them correctly. This helps prevent miscommunication.
Be Aware of Traffic: Class D airspace is often busy, especially around airports with a lot of flight activity. Keep a vigilant lookout for other aircraft and listen carefully to the control tower’s instructions and advisories.
Practice Good Radio Etiquette: Monitor the ATIS before contacting the tower. Use clear and concise language, avoid unnecessary transmissions, and be courteous. This helps maintain efficient and safe operations.

Prepare for your arrival at a Class D airport by listening to the automated weather once in range during a quiet en route portion of the flight. Take your time and listen to all of the details. When you are 20-25 miles from the airport, you should listen again to see if the message has changed. If you hear a new phonetic identifier for the ATIS, note any changes. With the weather information and identifier in hand, contact the tower at approximately 15 miles out. You may not enter the Class D airspace until you have established radio contact with the controller. This means the controller must acknowledge you with your call sign.

Your entry into the traffic pattern at a tower-controlled airport may be on any of the four legs. The tower controller will advise his instructions based upon the runway in use and the direction from which you are approaching. Listen carefully and follow the instructions. Unless it will interfere with current autopilot operations, set the heading bug or HSI to the assigned runway. This provides a memory and visual aid to ensure your arrival on the correct runway.

At some point, the tower controller will clear you to land. Unless you hear this clearance and confirm it with a read back, do not land.

After landing and reaching taxi speed, you should exit the runway promptly at the first available taxiway or on an ATC-instructed taxiway. Do not exit the landing runway onto another runway unless authorized by ATC. Do not stop or reverse course on the runway without ATC approval. Taxi clear of the runway and bring your aircraft to a stop unless otherwise directed by ATC.

Change to the ground control frequency when advised by the tower or after clearing the runway. The tower may omit the ground control frequency if the controller believes you will know the frequency. At slower times, the tower controller may be fulfilling the function of ground control as well. He may have you stay on the tower frequency during taxi operations. Follow his instructions.

Obtain your taxi instructions from the ground controller. Read back the instructions and comply with any hold short requirements that you are assigned. Compare the instructions to your taxiway charts and signs that you see after you have completed your read back. When taxiing, you must receive a specific runway crossing clearance to cross or operate on any active, inactive, or closed runway along your route.

Once you are clear of the movement area, you are no longer under the control of ATC.

This content is from the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes complete training for Private and Sport Pilots.

Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

January 27, 2026/in Tips and technique/by Eric Radtke

I recommend a simple two-phase approach. First, review the NOTAMs for runway condition information. Second—and just as important—call someone at the destination airport for a first-hand report of actual conditions, whether that’s the FBO or airport management.

The FAA uses a standardized method for reporting runway conditions. Today, airport operators use a defined matrix to evaluate runway surfaces and report conditions to pilots via NOTAMs using Runway Condition Codes (RwyCC). These codes range from 6 (dry pavement) down to 0 (no braking capability) and give pilots a common language to assess runway performance.

Airport personnel assess the runway surface, identify any contaminants present, and use the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix to determine the appropriate numerical code. Through the Federal NOTAM System, this information is then made available to pilots as a Field Condition (FICON) NOTAM. Pilots can use these codes to better understand how a given runway condition may affect braking and aircraft performance during landing or departure.

Each third of the runway is evaluated and reported separately. For example, a NOTAM reading “RWY 22 FICON 5/5/3” means the first and second thirds of the runway have a RwyCC of 5 (good braking), while the final third has a value of 3 (medium braking).

One practical tip: download the PDF version of the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix and keep it on your iPad for quick reference, both on the ground and in the cockpit. Also remember that these codes apply only to runways. If taxiways, ramps, or parking areas aren’t specifically addressed in the NOTAMs, that follow-up phone call becomes even more valuable for getting the full picture before you arrive.

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Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

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