Unicom / CTAF?

Question

are there any differences between unicom or ctaf or is it the same

Answer 1

CTAF is common traffic advisory frequency and is used for communications between you and other aircraft in a designated area, or you and atc sometimes.

Unicom you are contacting a ground station which can provide weather, wind, traffic, airport info, and other services such as fuel, towing, cab service... etc.

Sometimes they are the same frequency...but you would ask for "XXXX Unicom" if you wanted them.

Answer 2

In the United States, UNICOM stations are licensed ground stations operating on allocated frequencies that are used for air-ground communications between pilots and people/services on the ground.  They are not operated by the Federal government.  They may be used for ATC only in extremely specific circumstances (departure times, flight plan times, ATC clearance if an arrangement exists with the ATC facility).

A common traffic advisory frequency is a frequency (without any base station) allocated for use by pilots in communicating with others at uncontrolled airports, such as in self-announcing intentions.  UNICOM is sometimes used as a CTAF. MULTICOM is a CTAF allocated to 122.900 MHz, which pilots are advised to use by default if UNICOM and a specific CTAF are not available.  Other CTAF frequencies may be published for specific airports.  Outside of airports, the FAA suggests 122.750 as a CTAF between fixed-wing aircraft.  The frequency 125.450 is occasionally used but this is not legal, as this frequency is allocated to flight test activities.

Some other countries (e.g., Canada) have similar policies.

Answer 3

Mxsmanic hit it right on the head.  No better source than the AIM!