Airband frequencies are used for communication between aircraft and ground stations, including air traffic control (ATC), airports, and other aircraft. These frequencies are essential for ensuring safe and efficient air travel.
The airband typically ranges from 108 MHz to 137 MHz, covering VHF navigation and communication channels. Below is a comprehensive list of commonly used airband frequencies and their purposes.
Table of Contents
Airband Frequency Ranges
VHF Navigation (VOR, ILS, Marker Beacons)
- 108.00 – 117.95 MHz: Used for navigation aids such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) and ILS (Instrument Landing System).
VHF Communication
- 118.00 – 136.975 MHz: Dedicated to air-to-ground and air-to-air communication.
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Common Airband Frequencies
VHF Navigation Frequencies
- 108.00 – 111.95 MHz: Localizer and marker beacon frequencies for ILS systems.
- Example: 108.10 MHz (ILS Localizer)
- 112.00 – 117.95 MHz: VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) and terminal VOR frequencies.
- Example: 113.30 MHz (VOR Navigation)
VHF Communication Frequencies
- 118.00 – 121.95 MHz: Tower, Ground Control, and Clearance Delivery
- 118.00 MHz: Commonly used by airport towers for air traffic control.
- 121.50 MHz: International emergency frequency (guard frequency).
- 121.90 MHz: Ground control for taxiing aircraft.
- 122.00 – 123.05 MHz: Uncontrolled Airports (CTAF – Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) and Flight Service Stations
- 122.00 MHz: Used by UNICOM for airport advisory.
- 122.75 MHz: Air-to-air communications, often used by general aviation pilots.
- 122.90 MHz: Advisory services at non-towered airports.
- 123.05 MHz: Flight service station communication.
- 123.10 – 123.65 MHz: Aeronautical Multicom (general purpose air-to-air communications)
Use an Airband Filter to Improve Range and Reception
- 123.45 MHz: Air-to-air communications between aircraft.
- 124.00 – 126.00 MHz: Enroute Air Traffic Control (ARTCC – Air Route Traffic Control Centers)
- 124.00 MHz: Typically used by ARTCC for enroute air traffic control.
- 126.00 – 128.80 MHz: Enroute Air Traffic Control (continued)
- 127.00 MHz: Used by ARTCC for controlling high altitude flights.
- 128.80 – 132.00 MHz: Airline Operations and Enroute ATC
- 129.40 MHz: Airline company operations communication.
- 130.65 MHz: Used for enroute air traffic control.
- 132.00 – 135.975 MHz: Enroute ATC and Airline Communications
- 132.45 MHz: Used by ARTCC for high altitude sectors.
- 133.45 MHz: Commonly used for ATC in busy airspaces.
- 135.80 MHz: Airline company frequency for operational control.
- 136.00 – 136.975 MHz: Data Link and Additional ATC Communication
- 136.00 MHz: Used for ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) and other data link services.
- 136.975 MHz: Commonly used for additional ATC communications.
International Distress and Emergency Frequencies
- 121.50 MHz: International emergency and distress frequency, monitored by ATC and military.
- 243.00 MHz: Emergency frequency for military use (guard frequency).
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Airband Frequency Usage Examples
- 108.10 MHz: ILS localizer frequency, used for aircraft approach and landing guidance.
- 113.30 MHz: VOR frequency, providing navigational assistance.
- 121.50 MHz: International emergency frequency, used for distress and safety communications.
- 122.75 MHz: Common air-to-air communication frequency for general aviation.
- 123.45 MHz: Air-to-air communication frequency for non-operational purposes.
- 124.00 MHz: ATC frequency used for enroute traffic control.
- 129.40 MHz: Airline operations communication frequency.
- 132.45 MHz: ATC frequency for controlling flights in busy airspaces.
- 135.80 MHz: Airline company operational frequency for coordinating with their aircraft.
- 136.975 MHz: Used for various ATC communications and data link services.
Programming Airband Frequencies
To use these frequencies effectively in a scanner or aviation radio:
- Select the appropriate band: Ensure your radio is capable of receiving VHF airband frequencies.
- Input the frequency: Manually enter the desired frequency or use software for programming multiple frequencies.
- Monitor the channels: Tune in to different frequencies to listen to air traffic communications and gain insight into aviation operations.
Legal Considerations
Listening to airband frequencies is generally legal and encouraged for aviation enthusiasts and professionals. However, transmitting on these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties. Always ensure you comply with local regulations regarding radio communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics
Q1: What is the “Airband”?
A: The Airband is a range of radio frequencies reserved exclusively for aviation communication. This includes conversations between pilots and air traffic control (ATC), ground crews, and aircraft-to-aircraft. It operates primarily in the VHF (Very High Frequency) range from 108.000 MHz to 136.975 MHz.
Q2: What is an Airband Frequency List?
A: It’s a curated list of specific frequencies used by different aviation services at various locations. Instead of scanning the entire band hoping to hear something, a frequency list tells you exactly where to tune to listen to a specific airport’s control tower, approach control, or ground operations.
Q3: Is it legal to listen to airband communications?
A: In most countries, yes. Listening to airband transmissions is generally legal for personal, non-commercial use. However, it is almost always illegal to:
- Divulge the content of conversations to others (especially for profit).
- Use the information for any purpose that interferes with aviation operations.
- Transmit on any airband frequency without a license.
Always check your specific national and local laws to be certain.
Understanding the Frequencies
Q4: What are the main categories of airband frequencies?
A:
- ATC Services: This is the main listening interest.
- Clearance/Delivery: Pre-taxi clearances and routing.
- Ground Control: Movement on taxiways (not runways).
- Tower: Runway takeoff and landing clearances.
- Approach/Departure Control: Manages airspace within ~40 miles of an airport.
- En-route (Center): Manages high-altitude aircraft between airports (e.g., “Boston Center”).
- Aircraft Emergencies:
- 121.500 MHz: The international VHF air distress frequency. All aircraft monitor this.
- Other Services:
- UNICOM: Used at uncontrolled airports for pilot-to-pilot communication.
- ATIS/ASOS: Continuous automated broadcasts of weather and airport information.
- Volunteer Organizations: Civil Air Patrol, Angel Flight, etc.
Q5: Why are some frequencies like 121.500 or 123.450 mentioned so often?
A: These are “guarded” or common use frequencies.
- 121.500 MHz: The primary emergency and distress frequency.
- 123.450 MHz: An unofficial, but widely used, air-to-air frequency for pilots to chat with each other over oceans or remote areas.
- 122.750 MHz: A common UNICOM frequency at many uncontrolled airports in the US.
Q6: I tuned to a Center/Approach frequency but it’s quiet. Why?
A: A single en-route control sector can be enormous. Traffic may be light, or the controller may be working multiple sectors on different frequencies. You might also be too far away to receive the ground-based transmitter clearly. Try a busy approach frequency near a major airport for more consistent action.
Q7: What do all those number and letter codes mean (e.g., ATIS, UNICOM, CTAF)?
A:
- ATIS: Automatic Terminal Information Service (recorded weather/runway info).
- UNICOM: A non-government communication facility, often at small airports.
- CTAF: Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (the frequency pilots use to announce their position at an airport without a control tower).
- FSS: Flight Service Station (provides weather briefings and flight planning help).
Finding & Using Frequencies
Q8: Where is the best place to find accurate airband frequencies for my local airport?
A:
- Live ATC.net: Excellent for listening online and also provides frequency lists for major airports.
- RadioReference.com: The best crowd-sourced database. Search for your city or airport.
- Official Government Sources: In the US, the FAA publishes charts and data, but it’s less user-friendly for beginners.
- Pilot Apps: Apps like ForeFlight or SkyVector used by pilots contain accurate frequency data.
Q9: I have the frequency, but I can’t hear anything. What’s wrong?
A: Check these things:
- Modulation Mode: Airband uses AM (Amplitude Modulation), not FM. Ensure your radio or SDR software is set to AM mode.
- Squelch: Your squelch might be set too high. Turn it down until you hear static, then adjust it back up just until the static stops.
- Range: VHF radio is line-of-sight. You need a clear view of the horizon toward the airport or transmitter. If you’re too far away or blocked by terrain/buildings, you won’t hear anything.
- Antenna: A better antenna tuned for VHF (around 130 MHz) will dramatically improve reception.
Q10: What equipment do I need to listen to airband?
A:
- A Scanner: A dedicated handheld or desktop radio scanner that covers the 108-137 MHz band.
- An RTL-SDR Dongle: A cheap USB software-defined radio. When used with software like SDR# or SDR++, it’s a very powerful and flexible way to listen.
- A Web Browser: Sites like LiveATC.net stream ATC communications from receivers around the world.
Advanced & Etiquette
Q11: Can I listen to aircraft over the ocean?
A: For flights over the ocean (e.g., transatlantic), communication switches from VHF (short-range) to HF (High Frequency) radio, which bounces off the ionosphere for long-range propagation. Listening to HF airband requires a different type of receiver (or an upconverter for an RTL-SDR) and a much larger antenna.
Q12: Is there an etiquette to listening?
A: Yes. The community is built on respect.
- Do not speculate on or publicly share sensitive conversations, especially those involving emergencies or accidents. Wait for official reports.
- Do not use a scanner at an airport. It can be mistaken for suspicious activity.
- On online forums, be respectful and remember that many pilots and ATC professionals are part of the listening community.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Laws regarding radio monitoring vary by country. Always ensure your listening activities are legal and respectful of the critical nature of aviation communication.