Aircraft frequencies near me

Connie
Apr 01,2023
- 0
Aircraft frequencies, Aircraft frequencies near me

Air traffic control (ATC) is responsible for providing crucial information to pilots around busy airports. They communicate with pilots on designated radio frequencies to keep airport operations running smoothly and safely. Their communication is also accessible to the public. Whether you are a student pilot, retired pilot or just want to know what's going on in the friendly skies, you can listen to air traffic controllers at work any time.

Finding an Aviation Frequency

Find live frequencies.
Obtain a radio scanner that is capable of receiving frequencies between 118.0 and 136.975 MHz. You're better off selecting a good scanner instead of a general coverage unit, thanks to the scanner's ability to easily monitor multiple frequencies.

Memorize some of the basic frequencies.
121.5 is the emergency frequency. If there is some sort of emergency, pilots will transmit on it. You could also hear an emergency locator beacon on this frequency if a plane crashes.
122.750 MHz is the frequency for general aviation air to air communications
123.025 MHz is the frequency for helicopters air to air communications
123.450 MHz is the "unofficial" frequency for air to air communications
Search 122.0-123.65 for Unicom (uncontrolled airports) and air to air communications.
Search 128.825-132.000 MHz for ARINC frequencies (airlines, corporate aviation and general aviation calling ahead for fuel, parking, and other requests).

Reading Aeronautical Sectional Charts

Find an aeronautical sectional chart.

You most likely want to be looking for a chart of your local area from the closest airport. Older versions of these charts will usually work just fine. Online sectional charts for your local area are available on www.skyvector.com

Find the closest airport on the chart.

Airports are denoted by blue or magenta circles, with lines inside representing runways. Next to the circle is a block of text with the airport name and information about that airport. The control tower frequency is denoted by CT - 000.0, where the following numbers indicate the frequency used by ATC. For example, the frequency for Wittman Regional airport in Oshkosh, WI is CT - 118.5.

Understanding the lingo.

If the airport is uncontrolled (no tower) or the tower operates part time, a C in a circle after a frequency number will be used to denote a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). A star will be after the tower frequency to denote that airport as having a part time tower. At this type of airport, pilots communicate directly with one another and tell each other their position and intentions.

Identifying the airports.

All controlled airports will be denoted by blue circles, while uncontrolled airports are magenta. Airports with runways over 8,000 feet (2,438.4 m) are not enclosed in circles and simply have a diagram depicting the runway layout, which is outlined in blue (controlled) or magenta (uncontrolled).

Listen to weather forecasts and airport information as you prepare to land.

Some airports have AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System), ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System), or ATIS (Automated Terminal Information Service) frequencies listed on the chart. These are automated or repeating broadcasts that provide pilots with weather and airport information as they prepare to land or depart.

Obtain a complete list of frequencies.

If you have access to an airport/facility directory, you can find more frequencies than those available on the chart. At larger airports, pilots receive their flight plan clearances from a "clearance delivery" frequency, communicate on taxiways with a "ground" frequency, and get takeoff and landing clearance from the "tower" frequency. Once pilots are airborne, they will talk to an "approach/departure" frequency, and once in route, they might even talk to a "center" frequency. If you are lucky or live close enough to an airport, you might be able to receive several of these frequencies.

Aviation Scanning FAQ

How Far Away Will My Aviation Scanner Work?

About 100 miles from planes in the sky, but from airports it will vary greatly based on where you live and what’s around you (buildings, trees, hills, etc.). Scanners work on line of site and from the tower; 30-50 miles is the range.