When landing at airports without an operating control tower, when should inbound traffic monitor the designated CTAF?

Monitoring the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safety when approaching airports without an operating control tower. The correct choice indicates that inbound traffic should start monitoring the designated CTAF from 10 miles out from landing.

This distance allows pilots to get timely information about the airport environment. By tuning into the CTAF, pilots can listen for communications from other aircraft already in the traffic pattern or making their approaches, which aids in making informed decisions regarding their own arrival. This proactive approach helps to avoid conflicts with other aircraft and fosters a safer landing environment.

Starting the monitoring at 10 miles provides sufficient time to gather important information, assess the traffic situation, and communicate intentions, which enhances overall operational safety during the landing phase at non-towered airports.