Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) Practice Test 2026 - Free ATSA Practice Questions and Study Guide

Two-way radio communications with Air Traffic Control (ATC) are required for landings and takeoffs primarily at tower-controlled airports. These airports are equipped with an operating control tower that manages air traffic, providing essential information and instructions to pilots regarding takeoffs, landings, and taxiing on the airport surface. The presence of a control tower indicates that active coordination of air traffic is taking place, necessitating direct communication between pilots and controllers to ensure safe and efficient operations.

In contrast, private airports may not always have ATC services, meaning radio communication could be optional or only required under specific circumstances. International airports, while typically having extensive control measures, do not have unique communication requirements compared to tower-controlled airports. Finally, while poor weather conditions do enhance the need for communication, it is not exclusive to that scenario; tower-controlled airports require communication irrespective of weather. Thus, the requirement specifically applies to tower-controlled airports.