Which frequency, and who has to listen?

Know the frequency the AIM gives for uncontrolled airspace, which regulation imposes a listening watch and on whom, and why the listening-watch sections the exam quotes do not bind a remotely piloted aircraft even though they are examinable.

• You know that a radio is not required equipment on most RPA operations, and that the first rule below is written for an aircraft that is equipped with one. CAR 602.136
• You know which Part is speaking: Part VI Subpart 2 holds the crewed-aircraft operating and flight rules, and section 602.01 excludes remotely piloted aircraft from that subpart. CAR 602.01
• You know that an MF area is an area for which a mandatory frequency is specified, because the second rule below is written for one. CAR 602.97

A radio is a detect-and-avoid tool before it is anything else: the AIM lists monitoring a local ATC frequency beside hearing an approaching aircraft as one of the ways an RPA pilot finds traffic, and it notes that such a radio may form part of the risk mitigation for a non-standard operation. AIM 3.2.6

The AIM's Table 3.1 names two frequencies, and they are not interchangeable:

Frequency	Usage
126.7 MHz	Uncontrolled airspace AIM 3.2.6
123.2 MHz	Uncontrolled, unassigned aerodromes AIM 3.2.6

Aviation frequencies generally can be found on aviation maps and in the Canada Flight Supplement. Transmitting is a separate privilege: the AIM points to section 33 of the Radiocommunication Regulations, under which a person may operate radio apparatus in the aeronautical service only while holding a Restricted Operator Certificate with Aeronautical Qualification (ROC-A). AIM 3.2.6

Section 602.136 applies where an aircraft is equipped with radiocommunication equipment, and it places the duty on the pilot-in-command: that person shall ensure that a listening watch is maintained on the appropriate frequency, and that, where communications are required, communication is established with an air traffic services unit or a community aerodrome radio station, as applicable, on that appropriate frequency. CAR 602.136

Read the frequency the section names: "the appropriate frequency". It names no figure in megahertz, so a question offering one frequency "in all cases" is describing something the section does not say. The number in the AIM's table is the frequency for a class of airspace; the regulation's phrase is the one that adapts to where you are. CAR 602.136

Subsection 602.97(2) says that the pilot-in-command of a VFR or IFR aircraft operating within an MF area shall maintain a listening watch on the mandatory frequency specified for use in that area. CAR 602.97

Two things follow, and they pull in opposite directions for this audience. The duty attaches to operating within an MF area — the subsection states no landing intention, no approach and no arrival as a condition, so a reading that adds one is wrong. And the section sits in Part VI Subpart 2, the subpart that section 602.01 says does not apply in respect of remotely piloted aircraft: it is written for VFR and IFR aircraft, and quoting it at an RPA pilot does not impose it on them. CAR 602.97 CAR 602.01

So the examinable content is the crewed-aircraft rule, and the Part IX answer is which subpart it lives in. Both matter, and they are different questions.

Strip the duties away and the tool remains. Monitoring the frequency lets a pilot build a mental picture of the other traffic in the local area and use other aircraft's calls to identify potential hazards to the operation. AIM 3.2.6

That is the reason this lesson sits beside detect-and-avoid rather than beside licensing: the radio does not make the operation compliant, it makes the traffic visible.

Question	The answer
Frequency for uncontrolled airspace	126.7 MHz AIM 3.2.6
Frequency for uncontrolled, unassigned aerodromes	123.2 MHz AIM 3.2.6
Who must ensure the listening watch under 602.136?	The pilot-in-command CAR 602.136
On which frequency?	The appropriate frequency — the section names no figure CAR 602.136
Who is spoken to where communications are required?	An air traffic services unit or a community aerodrome radio station, as applicable CAR 602.136
When does the MF listening watch apply?	While operating within an MF area — no landing intention is required CAR 602.97
Does 602.97 bind an RPA pilot?	No — it is in Part VI Subpart 2, which 602.01 excludes for remotely piloted aircraft CAR 602.01
What may you transmit on?	Only while holding a ROC-A; the equipment must be licensed AIM 3.2.6

• 126.7 MHz is the AIM's uncontrolled-airspace frequency, 123.2 MHz the unassigned-aerodrome one AIM 3.2.6
• The 602.136 duty is on the pilot-in-command, and the frequency is the appropriate one CAR 602.136
• The MF watch attaches to operating within the area, not to an intention to land CAR 602.97
• Both listening-watch sections sit in Part VI Subpart 2, which does not apply to RPAs CAR 602.01

Symptom	Likely cause	What to do
A question offers one frequency "in all cases"	602.136 says "the appropriate frequency" and names no figure	Answer with the section's own phrase CAR 602.136
The listening watch is attributed to the owner or the operator	602.136 places it on the pilot-in-command	Put the duty on the pilot-in-command CAR 602.136
An MF listening-watch duty is quoted at an RPA pilot	602.97 is in Part VI Subpart 2, excluded by 602.01	Check the subpart before accepting the duty CAR 602.01
The MF watch is thought to need a landing intention	602.97(2) attaches it to operating within the area	Drop the extra condition CAR 602.97
You plan to transmit to ATC without a certificate	The AIM requires a ROC-A for aeronautical radio apparatus	Hold the certificate before transmitting AIM 3.2.6

Practise: Tp15263 air traffic frequencies

• CAR 602.136 — Continuous Listening Watch
• CAR 602.97 — VFR and IFR Aircraft Operations at Uncontrolled Aerodromes within an MF Area
• CAR 602.01 — Application — Remotely Piloted Aircraft
• AIM RPA 3.2.6 — Detecting and Avoiding Traffic (monitoring air traffic frequencies; Table 3.1)