View Single Post
  #5   Report Post  
Old March 16th 04, 02:32 PM
William Mutch
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article ,
says...
Some of my radios have the AIR band. I had never picked up an aircraft or
tower. How does one monitor the AIR band?

Sometimes I'll heard strange signals that may sound like a fax. But I am
not sure what that is.

Is there an AIR frequency list around?

The easiest way to find frequencies is to call a fixed base
operator (aviation company) or flight school at your nearest airport and
ask what is locally in use. 122.90 is a nationwide simplex frequency
which may or may not be used at all in your area depending on the size
of the airport. If you are in groundwave range of the airport you can
get the ground control frequency, approuch control frequency and
meteorological broadcasts. If your local airport is small the
controlling airport may be some distance away. Each airline and many
fixed base operators have frequencies they use for their own traffic.
I've seen a website listing many of these but didn't bookmark it so cant
give you the URL.
Aircraft traffic is kept very short and you have to really get the
wax out of your ears to hear and understand it before it gone.
Get your receiving antenna up as high as practical. My local
airport is about 15 miles away over hilly terrain and the difference
between listening to the radio in the downstair kitchen and a bedroom
upstairs is the difference between having to strain for every word and
solid easy copy.