Definition
A radio procedure used at airports without an operating control tower in which a pilot broadcasts their own position, intentions, and movements on the published Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) so that other pilots in the area are aware of their location and actions.
Plain English
You tell everyone on the local radio frequency who you are, where you are, and what you're about to do — because there's no tower controller doing it for you.
Context Anchor
Used when arriving at, departing from, or operating near an airport without an operating control tower.
Derivation
A plain compound of 'self' (you, yourself) and 'announce' (to make known publicly). The word literally describes the action: you make your own announcements rather than relying on a controller to direct or sequence you.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains situational awareness and reduces the risk of collision when multiple aircraft share the same airspace without tower separation.
Intuition Check
Self-announce does not mean you are asking for permission or receiving a clearance. It means you are broadcasting useful information so other pilots know where you are and what you intend to do.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the field, the pilot began to self-announce on the CTAF, calling ten miles out and stating their intended runway.
Example Sentence 2
Before entering the downwind leg the departing pilot self-announced their position and runway choice so traffic already in the pattern would know their intentions.