During ground operations for a departing VFR aircraft, from whom should radar traffic information be requested?

• A. Ground control
• B. Tower
• C. Flight data
• D. Center

Answer: (A)

During ground operations, the controller responsible for the airport surface—ground control—is the best source for radar traffic information. They monitor taxiways, runways, and the immediate airspace around the field and can relay advisories about other aircraft that might conflict with your taxi, takeoff, or initial climb. This helps you depart more safely by knowing where other traffic is before you reach the runway.

Tower handles traffic on and near the runways once you’re in the air or right at the point of takeoff/landing, so it’s not the primary source for ground-phase traffic information. Center and flight data deal with en route or data-display information rather than the real-time surface traffic advisories you need while preparing to depart.