When does the radio switch to tower occur?

When does the radio switch to tower occur?

• A. When the aircraft has taken off
• B. At the taxiway marker
• C. When at the hold short line
• D. After requesting clearance

Answer: (C)

The radio switch to tower occurring when at the hold short line is the correct answer because this is the point where the aircraft is preparing to enter the active runway. At the hold short line, the pilot must communicate with the tower to confirm clearance before proceeding onto the runway. This ensures safe coordination with air traffic control, which manages aircraft movements to prevent conflicts on the runway. During this critical phase, the pilot transitions communication from ground control to tower control, reflecting that the aircraft is moving from taxiing to a takeoff position. Each of the other choices represents moments in the flight process when a different communication protocol is in effect. For instance, while requesting clearance is a part of the process, it is done before reaching the hold short line and does not involve the transition to tower communication. Consequently, switching to the tower at the hold short line represents the correct procedure for ensuring safety and following air traffic directives.

The radio switch to tower occurring when at the hold short line is the correct answer because this is the point where the aircraft is preparing to enter the active runway. At the hold short line, the pilot must communicate with the tower to confirm clearance before proceeding onto the runway. This ensures safe coordination with air traffic control, which manages aircraft movements to prevent conflicts on the runway.

During this critical phase, the pilot transitions communication from ground control to tower control, reflecting that the aircraft is moving from taxiing to a takeoff position. Each of the other choices represents moments in the flight process when a different communication protocol is in effect. For instance, while requesting clearance is a part of the process, it is done before reaching the hold short line and does not involve the transition to tower communication. Consequently, switching to the tower at the hold short line represents the correct procedure for ensuring safety and following air traffic directives.