Airband Frequency List for Australia

In Australia, air band frequencies for aviation communications are regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The airband spectrum is divided into several ranges for different purposes, including communication between

  • Aircraft and air traffic control (ATC),
  • Navigation aids,
  • Emergency services

Below is a detailed breakdown of the airband frequencies used in Australia:

VHF (Very High Frequency) Airband

  • 118.000 – 136.975 MHz: This is the primary band used for air-to-ground communications and is divided into channels spaced 8.33 kHz apart. It includes:
    • 118.000 – 121.450 MHz: Allocated for communication with air traffic control (ATC) for all aircraft.
    • 121.500 MHz: International emergency frequency, commonly known as the “Guard” frequency.
    • 121.600 – 121.975 MHz: Assigned for ground control (clearance delivery, etc.).
    • 122.000 – 123.050 MHz: For communication with air traffic services, such as aerodrome flight information services.
    • 123.075 – 128.800 MHz: General aviation and ATC communications.
    • 128.825 – 132.000 MHz: Air route traffic control centers.
    • 132.025 – 135.950 MHz: Area control centers.
    • 136.000 – 136.975 MHz: Data link communications and reserved for future aviation communications needs.

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) Airband

  • 225.000 – 400.000 MHz: This range is used for military aviation communications and is not typically used by civilian aircraft.

Navigation Aids and Emergency Frequencies

  • 108.000 – 117.975 MHz: Used for navigation aids such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) and ILS (Instrument Landing System). This includes:
  • 108.000 – 111.975 MHz: ILS Localizer frequencies.
  • 112.000 – 117.975 MHz: VOR frequencies.
  • 243.000 MHz: Military emergency frequency.

Miscellaneous

  • 123.450 MHz: Often used as an air-to-air communication frequency, especially for general aviation.

Examples

Here are some examples of frequencies in use

Specific Airports:

  • Perth Airport:
    • Approach: 123.600 MHz
    • Departures: 118.700 MHz
    • Tower: 127.400 MHz
    • Ground (West): 121.700 MHz
    • Ground (East): 122.200 MHz
    • ATIS: 123.800 MHz
  • Jandakot Airport:
    • Tower: 118.100 MHz
    • Ground: 124.300 MHz
    • ATIS: 128.650 MHz
  • RAAF Base Pearce:
    • Tower: 118.300 MHz
    • Ground: 127.250 MHz
    • ATIS: 316.100 MHz

Special Operations:

  • Firefighting Aircraft: 123.650 MHz (fire ground)
  • Gliders: 122.500 MHz, 122.700 MHz, 122.900 MHz
  • Parachute Operations: 119.200 MHz

Other Frequencies:

  • Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS): Varies by region, typically available in the HF bands.
  • Airshow Frequencies: 127.900 MHz
  • Search and Rescue (SAR): 123.100 MHz, 123.200 MHz

Company Frequencies (Melbourne Example):

  • Qantas: 119.525 MHz, 130.850 MHz
  • Jetstar: 130.925 MHz
  • Virgin: 131.150 MHz

Notes

  • 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing: Australia, like many other countries, uses 8.33 kHz channel spacing in the VHF band to allow more frequencies within the same spectrum, especially in busy airspace.
  • Military Frequencies: These are generally not available for civilian use and are used by military aircraft and operations.

These frequencies are crucial for maintaining safe and efficient air travel, ensuring clear communication between aircraft and ground stations.

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