Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 75; Flight Crew Total 7000; Flight Crew Type 700
Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Chart Or Publication; Procedure; Human Factors
I had flown into and out of the Athens airport many years ago and knew they had an operating tower for special events; mainly football games.  When I saw the tower/CTAF frequency on the sectional I just assumed that this was still the case.  I listed in AWOS and it only gave the weather with no additional information about tower operations.  I called on CTAF right at 5 miles from the field and reported my position.  The tower controller responded right away asking me to repeat my call sign.  I did that while also turning due South as I sensed something was amiss.  I asked him if the tower was open today?  He clarified that it has been open for 21 years.  This really surprised me and it brought about a suggestion I will make below.  As this progressed; Tower handled me like normal VFR inbound aircraft with no other mention of a possible encroachment at that point.  I apologized for the 'confusion' and later on the ground I told him I assumed the tower was only open on game days like it was in the 80s.  He did not seem angry or upset and from his words and reactions; my guess is I am not the only one.  My position did not because anyone else to alter their flight paths as the pattern was empty.  I am suggesting the following things: At smaller airports where tower operations are not expected; I suggest putting a trailer on the AWOS/ASOS; if there is no ATIS; that clearly states the operating hours.  My home airport; always has the tower operating hours as part of their AWOS when tower is closed.  AHN does not do this and it would have prevented my error.   Second; tower operating hours are hard to find.  Airport facility directories are the only source and then the time changes make them sometimes wrong.  They are not on the sectional and they also not on the approach plate.  Yes; the color of the airport does signify a tower; but not hours of operation.  I think putting it on the approach plate and/or airport diagram would be a great step forward.
Pilot reports of flying to an airport which he knows has a Control Tower operating during football games. Pilot calls CTAF and reports position. Tower Controller answers and pilot responds asking if the Tower is open today. Controller says yes its been open for 21 years. Reporter lands at airport with out any other issues. Pilot would like the Towers hours listed on the sectional; approach plates; and on the ATIS.