CTAF Trial Extended: Real-World CTAF Implementation Expands to More Divisions

VATSIM Announcements
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VATSIM is excited to announce the extension of the real-world Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) trial, originally set to conclude on August 31st, 2024. The trial will now continue in VATUSA until further notice, and will soon be joined by other divisions across VATSIM.

Stay Informed! – Further details about the participation of other divisions in the CTAF trial will be released soon. In the meantime, pilots can learn more about using CTAF, selecting the correct frequency by visiting our Pilot Learning Center under FAQ > CTAF Trial or vats.im/ctaf-trial.

Pilots can identify the CTAF frequencies by looking up the airport in the VATSIM AIP or by using aerodrome charts.

We appreciate your continued participation and feedback as we work to enhance the realism and safety of the VATSIM experience.

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A CTAF question and will use KJFK to illustrate.

The VATSIM AIP indicates the CTAF frequency is 119.1, no association with runways. The Navigraph KJFK chart’s Tower frequencies are runway-specific. I was departing from runway 31L and the Tower frequency for this runway is 123.9. Frequency 119.1 is associated with other runways. I tuned 123.9

What frequency am I expected to use in such a scenario ? How do I select the correct frequency from the chart (not VATSIM AIP) ?

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For airports with multiple tower frequencies you cant from just the charts, you have to look at the vatsim aip as the ctaf is not runway specific

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OK, thanks.
For airports with a single Tower frequency, can I assume that this is the CTAF or do I have to check the VATSIM AIP in this case as well ?

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Usually Tower frequency is used as CTAF frequency but the best is to check VATSIM AIP or simply type without the quotes “.ctaf [airport ICAO]” example: “.ctaf KLAX”.

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Here’s something that will befuddle you even more. The chart does list 123.9 as the frequency for that runway, but if you listen to LiveATC, you’ll notice that they only use that frequency during busy times, typically two hours or so in the morning, then later on in the afternoon into the evening. Other than that, they’ll use 119.1.