X-C Flight Planning - C: Radio Communications Flashcards
What is the most common type of communication radio equipment installed in general aviation aircraft? How many channels are available?
In general aviation, the most common types of radios are VHF. A VHF radio operates on frequencies between 118.0 and 136.975 MHz and is classified as 720 or 760 depending on the number of channels it can accommodate. The 720 and 760 uses .025 spacing (118.025, 118.050, etc.) with the 720 having a frequency range up to 135.975 and the 760 going up to 136.975.
(FAA-H-8083-25)
What is the universal VHF Emergency frequency?
121.5 MHz; this frequency is guarded by military towers, most civil towers, FSS’s, and radar facilities.
(AIM 5-6-13 and 6-3-1)
What frequencies are used for ground control?
The majority of ground control frequencies are 121.6 to 121.9 MHz.
(AIM 4-3-14)
What is a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)?
A CTAF is a frequency designated for the purpose of carrying out airport advisory practices while operating to or from an airport without an operating control tower.
What is UNICOM, and what frequencies are designated for its use?
UNICOM is a nongovernment communication facility which may provide airport information at certain airports. Airports other than those with a control tower/FSS on airport will normally use 122.700, 122.725, 122.800, 122.975, 123.000, 123.050, and 123.075 MHz. Airports with a control tower or an FSS on airport will normally use 122.950 MHz.
(AIM 4-1-9 and 4-1-11)
What does ATIS mean?
Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) is the continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information in selected high-activity terminal areas.
(AIM 4-1-13)
If operating into an airport without an operating control tower, FSS or UNICOM, what procedure should be followed?
Where there is no tower, FSS, or UNICOM station on the airport, use MULTICOM frequency 122.9 for self-announce procedures. MULTICOM is a mobile service not open to public use, used to provide communications essential to conduct the activities being performed by or directed from private aircraft.
(AIM 4-1-9, Glossary)
What frequencies are monitored by most FSS’s other than 121.5?
122.2 MHz is designated as a common enroute simplex frequency at most FSS’s.
(AIM 4-2-14)
What is an RCO?
A remote communications outlet (RCO) is an unmanned communications facility remotely controlled by ATC personnel, established for the purpose of providing ground-to-ground communications between ATC and pilots located at satellite airports.
(AIM Glossary)
How can a pilot determine what frequency is appropriate for activating his/her VFR flight plan once airborne?
a. Ask the FSS briefer during the preflight weather briefing.
b. Consult the communications section under flight service for the airport of departure in the Chart Supplement U.S.
What is the meaning of a heavy-lined blue box surrounding a NAVAID frequency?
A heavy-lined blue box surrounding the NAVAID station data indicates FSS frequencies 121.5, 122.2, 243.0, and 255.4 are available.
Why would a frequency be printed on top of a heavy-lined box?
This usually means that this frequency is available in addition to the standard FSS frequencies.
What is the meaning of a thin-lined blue box surrounding a NAVAID frequency?
A plain box without frequencies on top indicates that there are no standard FSS frequencies available. These NAVAIDs will have a “no voice” symbol (underline under frequency).
Why would a frequency be printed on top of a thin-lined blue box?
These frequencies are the best frequencies to use in the immediate vicinity of the NAVAID site, and will ensure reception by the controlling FSS at low altitudes without terrain interference. They will normally be
followed by an “R” which indicates that the FSS can receive only on that frequency (you transmit on that frequency). The pilot will listen for a response over the NAVAID frequency.
If you are uncertain about the status of a restricted area along your route of flight, where can you find the frequency for the controlling agency/contact facility responsible for that restricted area?
Special use airspace information can be found on the end panel of a VFR sectional chart. Restricted areas are presented in blue, listed numerically, and supplemented with altitude, time of use and the controlling agency/contact facility. Frequencies will be listed when available. The controlling agency will be shown when the contact facility and frequency data is unavailable.