On an approach to an airport, when should you switch from center to CTAF or tower?

• A. When you reach the initial approach fix
• B. When center/approach tells you
• C. After landing
• D. When you are cleared for the approach

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that radio frequency changes during an approach are controlled by ATC. You stay on the center or approach frequency until ATC explicitly tells you to switch to the next controller’s frequency (often a tower or another approach). This handoff lets the controller manage your sequencing, radar separation, and clearances for the approach as you transition from en route to terminal operations. If you switch before being instructed, you could lose contact with the controller who is guiding you, and if you wait too long, you might miss a required clearance or instruction.

So, the right moment is when center or the approach controller tells you to contact the tower or another facility. It’s not automatic at the initial approach fix, not something you do after landing, and not simply because you’ve been cleared for the approach.