What frequencies do pilots use?
Legally, for air-to-air communications between private, fixed-wing aircraft, there is just one authorized frequency: 122.75 MHz. For general aviation helicopters: 123.025 MHz. Gliders and hot air balloons share 123.3 and 123.5 MHz.
What was the main method of communication between airport operators and aircraft before radio?
The development of radar in the mid-1930s proved a great advance in air-to-ground communication. Radar could be used to track planes in the air and determine distance, direction, speed and even type of aircraft. This allowed for better air traffic control as well as navigation aides for pilots.
How do airports communicate?
A number of different wireless solutions can be used at airports to enhance communications. These are mostly digital solutions, and include WiFi networks for data and voice, GPRS and 3G, as well as professional mobile radios.
How do you communicate with air traffic control?
There is an art to using the right words when you communicate with air traffic control (ATC). Effective aviation phraseology combines brevity with the transfer of complete and correct information. Long, detailed transmissions ensure the controller receives the needed information, but these monologues also tie up the frequency.
Why are radio communications important to ATC?
Radio communications are a critical link in the ATC system. The link can be a strong bond between pilot and controller or it can be broken with surprising speed and disastrous results. Discussion herein provides basic procedures for new pilots and also highlights safe operating concepts for all pilots.
Should pilots listen before switching frequencies?
When you switch frequencies there is a tendency to just immediately start talking. Some of the air traffic controllers that I have met over the years have always said this is one of the biggest things pilots can do to help ATC flow and be better on the radio: listen before you transmit.
When is it your time to talk in pilot-ATC?
The cadence of pilot-ATC communications requires pilots to determine when there will be a gap in such communications. That’s when it’s your time to talk. As mentioned elsewhere in this article, it does no good for two people to transmit at the same moment.