What frequency should be monitored when near an airport that does not have a control tower?

In the context of flying near an airport without a control tower, monitoring the common frequency is essential because such airports typically utilize a common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) to facilitate communication among pilots. This frequency allows pilots to announce their intentions, report their positions, and maintain situational awareness, which is particularly important in areas where there is no air traffic control to manage the traffic.

By monitoring the common frequency, pilots can communicate effectively with one another, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of mid-air collisions during takeoff, landing, and while in the vicinity of the airport. This is the primary means of ensuring that all aircraft are aware of each other's movements, particularly in uncontrolled airspace where traffic could be unpredictable.

While other frequencies, like emergency and exclusive use frequencies, serve important purposes, they do not provide the same level of situational awareness for multiple aircraft operating in and around an uncontrolled airport. Emergency frequencies are reserved specifically for distress calls, and exclusive use frequencies are not applicable as they are generally designated for specific users or flight operations that do not align with the needs of general aviation activity around an uncontrolled airport.