When operating at a controlled airport when must pilots maintain radio communication with the tower?

When operating at an airport where traffic control is being exercised by a control tower, pilots are required to maintain two-way radio contact with the tower while operating within the Class B, Class C, and Class D surface area unless the tower authorizes otherwise.

Who does the pilot talk to?

Pilots talk to ATC, or air traffic control. Depending on where the are, this is the basics. When at the gate, they talk to ground control. Then they taxi out, and contact the airport control tower.

How do airplanes communicate with control towers?

When approaching an airport from the air to come in to land, a common first Pilot to Control Tower communication is something like the following: In this case, the aircraft, Warrior 427DP, let the tower know where they are (Santa Susana Pass), and that they are inbound to land with Oscar, the most current weather information.

Why do pilots cross the runway when in communication with controllers?

However, if communications between tower and pilot are less than perfect, very dangerous situations can arise. Including the pilot crossing the runway instead of waiting for the tower to confirm he can do so. Very often, operations on the runway mean that pilots put their blind trust in controllers.

When flying repetitive circuits the pilot should advise the tower?

When flying repetitive circuits, the pilot should advise the tower of his position each time he passes mid-field in the downwind leg. When advising the tower of his position, he should also provide his landing intentions.

How do pilots know the weather before landing?

Pilots will get this on the ground before calling the ground frequency to taxi to the runway as well as in the air before calling into a control tower to land. This lets air traffic control know that the pilot already has knowledge of the current weather conditions. This automated broadcast includes the wind speed and direction.