What is a Unicom frequency used for?

A UNICOM (universal communications) station is an air-ground communication facility operated by a non-air traffic control private agency to provide advisory service at uncontrolled aerodromes and airports and to provide various non-flight services, such as requesting a taxi, even at towered airports.

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Correspondingly, what is Unicom and Ctaf?

UNICOM is a licensed non-government base station that provides air-to-ground and ground-to-air communication, and may also serve as a CTAF when in operation . MULTICOM is a frequency allocation without a physical base station that is reserved as a CTAF for airports without other facilities.

Also, what frequency is used at a non towered airport when Unicom isn't available? Though not really VFR communications, the run- way lighting at non-towered airports is usually controlled by the pilot via the CTAF/UNICOM frequency. You'll find confirmation of this in the Chart Supplement. In general, seven mic clicks turn all the lights on as bright as possible.

In respect to this, what is a Multicom frequency?

In U.S. and Canadian aviation, MULTICOM is a frequency allocation used as a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) by aircraft near airports where no air traffic control is available. In the United States, there is one MULTICOM frequency: 122.9 MHz.

What does flight service station provide?

A flight service station (FSS) is an air traffic facility that provides information and services to aircraft pilots before, during, and after flights, but unlike air traffic control (ATC), is not responsible for giving instructions or clearances or providing separation.

30 Related Question Answers Found

What is CTAF procedures?

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), and procedures at non-controlled aerodromes AIP ENR 1.1. The CTAF is the frequency on which pilots operating at a non-controlled aerodrome should make positional radio broadcasts. These frequencies are not normally monitored by ATS.

What is the minimum safe altitude anywhere?

In aviation (particularly in air navigation), lowest safe altitude (LSALT) is an altitude that is at least 500 feet above any obstacle or terrain within a defined safety buffer region around a particular route that a pilot might fly.

How do you calculate Hiwas frequency?

Availability of HIWAS information on a specific VOR is indicated on an enroute or terminal area chart by an "H" in the upper right corner of the box surrounding the navaid frequency information.

What does AWOS 3 mean?

AWOS III: all AWOS II parameters, plus sky condition (in oktas), cloud ceiling height (in feet), and liquid precipitation. accumulation (in inches). AWOS III P: all AWOS III parameters, plus precipitation type (rain, snow and sometimes drizzle) identification.

What frequency do airplanes broadcast?

Common Civilian Frequencies

In the US the civil aircraft communications band (118-137 MHz) generally uses 25 kHz spaced channels. As of 2010 aeronautical enroute and flight test stations may use 8.33 kHz spaced channels in the 121.4-123.6, 128.825-132.0 and 136.5-136.875 MHz ranges.

What is the difference between AWOS and ASOS?

Some specific differences are a difference in wind observations. AWOS broadcasts true wind direction, while ASOS converts surface winds to magnetic direction. In addition precipitation type identification and thunderstorm reporting are different between the two.

What does AWOS stand for?

Automated Weather Observing System

What is ASOS in aviation?

ASOS. The Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) program is a joint effort of the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). The ASOS systems serves as the nation's primary surface weather observing network.

What is Vatsim Unicom?

Code of Conduct B7. "Pilots flying through uncontrolled airspace should set their VHF radio frequency to 122.80 or other designated "Unicom" frequency and monitor until they come under air traffic control coverage."

What information does ATIS provide?

ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) is a recording that some airports broadcast in order to reduce frequency congestion. Current weather information, active runway information, NOTAMs, and other useful pieces of information are included in the ATIS.

How is air traffic control at non towered airports?

At non-towered airports, instead of receiving instructions from an Air traffic controller, Aircraft pilots follow recommended operations, and communications procedures for operating at an airport without a control tower. Non-towered airports may lie inside or underneath controlled airspace.

How do you get into a non towered airport?

Non-Towered Airports

The preferred method for entering from the downwind leg side of the pattern is to approach the pattern on a course 45° to the downwind leg and join the pattern at midfield. There are several ways to enter the pattern if you are coming from the upwind legs side of the airport.

How do small airports work?

Small Airport Operations

Air Traffic and Aircraft Size: Smaller airports typically receive more small propeller-driven airplanes than the larger jets. Also, these airports generally support a smaller amount of traffic than larger airports. These training facilities increase traffic due to training flights.

How do you use a pilot control light?

Pilot-Controlled Lighting

Within a five-mile radius of the airport, pilots activate PCL by keying the microphone button with the radio tuned to Unicom frequency. Once activated, the lights remain illuminated for 15 minutes.

How do I get flight following?

What is the proper radio call to pick up VFR flight following?

Callsign. Use the full call sign until ATC shortens it.
Type of aircraft. They need to know the performance ability of your aircraft.
Altitude.
Location: this can be off an airport, VOR, fix or waypoint.
Request: ask for flight following.

Is there an app for 1800WXbrief?

The new 1800WXbrief mobile capability is super fast and usable. They do *not* yet have an app for this so here is a way to save the link to your mobile so it is one-tap available. This approved FAA site not only provides great weather, you can open or close your flight plan with just a tap!

How do I file a flight plan in the air?

How to file your flight plan (domestic or international)

Submit a hardcopy flight plan form to your local flight service station.
Call Flight Services (1-800-WX-BRIEF or 1-800-992-7433) – The flight services specialist will file your flight plan.
Submit your plan online through one of the following free services: