What type of airfield is subject to periodic updates regarding operational hours of TACAN?

The correct answer pertains to US civil airports, which regularly receive operational updates regarding their TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) systems. TACAN is a very high frequency (VHF) navigational aid used by military aircraft, which provides information on distance and direction to a station.

US civil airports can be subject to these updates due to their integration into the broader air traffic control and navigation framework. This ensures aircraft operating in civilian airspace have the most current information available for navigation purposes, especially in relation to military operations that might affect their hours of operation.

Periodic updates are particularly important at civil airports because they accommodate a mix of commercial, general aviation, and military traffic. Keeping TACAN operational hours current is crucial for maintaining efficiency in airspace management, reliability of navigation aids, and safety of all flights utilizing those systems.

Military bases, while they certainly utilize TACAN, typically have standardized operational hours that are less variable than civilian operations, making them less subject to periodic updates. Private airports also have limited influence on or involvement with TACAN operational changes since they often do not have the same level of traffic or navigational requirements associated with military operations.