When inbound to an airport with no tower, FSS, or UNICOM in operation, what frequency should a pilot self-announce on?

When approaching an airport that does not have an operational control tower, Flight Service Station (FSS), or UNICOM, pilots can make self-announcements about their positions and intentions to enhance safety and situational awareness. The correct frequency for these self-announcements is 122.9 MHz, which is commonly designated as the "unicom" frequency in many areas.

This frequency is widely used for general aviation activities, allowing pilots to communicate their intentions while operating in the vicinity of an uncontrolled airport. It is particularly crucial for preventing potential collisions and ensuring that all pilots in the area are aware of each other's actions.

While other frequencies, such as 121.5 MHz, are designated for emergencies and may not be suitable for self-announcement purposes, they serve specific functions that do not pertain to regular communication or self-announcement within a non-towered airport environment. Frequencies like 122.8 MHz and 123.0 MHz may also be used in localized areas but are not as universally recognized for pilot self-announcement as 122.9 MHz.