Radio Communications

Question 1

What is the universal VHF emergency frequency?

Answer 1

121.5 - this frequency is guarded by military towers, most civil towers, FSS’s and radar facilities.

Question 2

What frequencies are used for ground control?

Answer 2

121.6 - 121.9

Question 3

What is a CTAF?

Answer 3

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency. A Frequency designated for the purpose of carrying out airport advisory practices while operating to or from an airport without an operating control tower.

Question 4

What is UNICOM and what frequencies are designated for its use?

Answer 4

UNICOM is a non-governmental communication facility which may provide airport info at certain airports. Airports other than those with a control tower/FSS will normally use 122.700, 122.725, 122.975, 123.000, 123.050 and 123.075.

Airports with a control tower or an FSS on airport will normally use 122.950.

Question 5

What does ATIS mean?

Answer 5

Automatic Terminal Information Service is the continuous broadcast of recorded noncontrol info in selected high activity terminal areas. Designed to relieve frequency congestion and provide essential info.

Question 6

If operating into an airport w/o an operating control tower, FSS, UNICOM, what procedure should be followed?

Answer 6

The MULTICOM frequency should be used on 122.9 for self-announce procedures. This is used to provide communications essential to conduct the activities being performed by or directed from private aircraft.

Question 7

How can a pilot determine what frequency is appropriate for activating a VFR flight plan once airborne?

Answer 7

a) Ask the FSS briefer during the preflight wx breifing.

b) Consult the communications section under flight service for the airport of departure in the Chart Supplement US.