Questions tagged [radio]
Radio equipment, including antennas, receivers, two-way radio systems, and more.
67
questions
4
votes
1answer
148 views
Just how inaccurate are (Las Vegas) VOR radials?
I was discussing VOR-based navigation with a pilot, and he mentioned that VOR doesn't provide a very high level of integrity and safety (at least, compared to GPS or DME). He explained that the FAA ...
-2
votes
1answer
82 views
What are some alternate methods of communication with aircraft (specifically small drones)?
I've been thinking about his alot but I've yet to find an answer.
Most of the time drones use radio, wi-fi, GPS and Bluetooth signals to communicate with their controllers but all of these methods ...
1
vote
1answer
672 views
Can I listen to control tower frequencies on a ham radio legally [duplicate]
Is there a frequency I can tune into to listen to airport I’m in Durham by RDU AIRPORT and would like to listen in on a ham radio only legally
0
votes
1answer
63 views
Are lhe old King KX170B Nav/Com radios monaural?
If so, does this mean I need to use an adaptor to play the output on stereo headphones? My Stereo-Mono switch does not produce a two-ear audio. Would this be solved with a converter? Would be nice ...
1
vote
2answers
156 views
How feasible digital radio communications would be? [closed]
Its been over 100 years since we first flew and we still use analog radio with parasites and "radio effect" which changes your sound.
Why don't we ditch the old system and make a mandate a new law ...
0
votes
3answers
164 views
Can ADS-B used for voice communications?
Everyone knows the radio communications doesnt sound great altough they work perfectly.
But can the brand new ADS-B communications be used for carrying audio signal? Would it be clearer?
The ADS-B ...
4
votes
1answer
259 views
Instructor can't talk when H10-13.4 is plugged in
I'm a student pilot and I just bought my first own headset because the standard one in the plane does not really fit me.
I got a david clark h10-13.4.
My instructor uses either his private Bose A20 ...
0
votes
0answers
28 views
What are the procedures for radio malfunction [duplicate]
I was reading this question Do airline pilots ever risk not hearing communication directed to them specifically, from traffic controllers? and there is a answer mentioning radio malfunction
If it's ...
6
votes
2answers
332 views
Do left and right mic buttons control both headset microphones?
The aircraft I was flying today has a push to talk integrated button on each control yoke. I was sitting in the right seat, but my headset was plugged into the jacks on the left side of the cockpit. ...
5
votes
2answers
891 views
How unusual were MH370's final ATC exchanges?
There are 2 noteworthy occurrences in the ATC radio transcript within just minutes of a 3rd noteworthy, quite unprecedented occurrence in aviation history:
At 01:07:55 MH370 unnecessarily reported ...
0
votes
1answer
79 views
ground staff radio controll [closed]
Hoping someone can help me in understand who is who when using a aviation radio. eg: "Delta Delta, Tac"
I understand some of them but am still quite unsure as to who is a sierra, whiskey, alpha etc. ...
2
votes
1answer
473 views
What types of antennas are used in a Piper Seneca PA34-200?
What types of antenna are used in the Piper Seneca PA34-200 and where are they are located? The manual is not giving the specific answer to the question. Also, what is the frequency range of the ...
2
votes
1answer
1k views
Should I monitor the emergency frequency (121.5 Mhz) at all times?
When flying on a plane with two or more radios, should I set the second radio to 121.5 at all times? (Assume I'm not using it to listen on other frequencies)
I've heard that sometimes when an ...
1
vote
4answers
835 views
What to look for when purchasing a headset
I'm currently a student pilot, and I'm starting at an aviation university this fall to major in commercial aviation. Needless to say, I will be flying a lot. I'm looking to upgrade to a nice headset ...
1
vote
2answers
469 views
What requirements do A&Ps (AMT) have to work on avionics?
Is there any additional requirement for A&Ps to work on avionics or is that even a totally different license?
I just wonder why only a few A&Ps I met, also do avionics.
2
votes
1answer
804 views
Why does “airplane mode” turn off Bluetooth and WLAN if I can just turn them on again? [closed]
On my (Android) phone, enabling airplane mode automatically disables all wireless antennas except for GPS and NFC (I assume the latter is either passive or way too low power for anyone to care about). ...
0
votes
2answers
404 views
Carrier frequency and transmit power of a commercial aircraft
I have a few questions on the radio comms. aspects of commercial aircrafts.
At what (central) frequency does an aircraft communicate with a control tower? Is the communication over one frequency only?...
1
vote
2answers
908 views
What is the name or part number of the Bose 'Lemo' aviation headset connector?
In a similar direction to this question, I was wondering if anyone knows the name or part number of the connector commonly featured on Bose aviation headsets such as the A20. It is commonly know as ...
0
votes
0answers
358 views
What is that wire on the picture? [duplicate]
I thought it was HF antenna the What is the purpose of that?
What kind of nav aid use HF frequency?
4
votes
2answers
2k views
How strong would a servo motor need to be to power the control surfaces of a fixed wing ultralight aircraft?
I'm looking to build an ultralight aircraft.
The video above shows a good example of how one is controlled with wires or with metal fulcrums/levers, but I am ...
5
votes
1answer
317 views
Did the Westland Lysander have a helmet/face mask for radio communication during WW2?
I have a character in some war-time fiction I'm writing 'acquiring' an aircraft (a Westland Lysander).
Just need to know: was there a helmet/face mask for radio communication for these aircraft? And,...
5
votes
1answer
551 views
What are the ways to perform air traffic control on long distance flights? [closed]
I have a few questions on air traffic control.
From my understanding, there are three major ways of sending control messages to an aircraft:
1) Direct radio link from control as long as the aircraft ...
5
votes
3answers
7k views
How many antennae are there on a typical small aircraft, and how are they connected to the avionics?
As far as i know there are a bunch of antennas on board of a small (EASA CS-23) plane:
GPS is for GPS navigation in MHz
VHFVOR is for NAV and Glideslope/Localizer
ADF is for ADF
DME is for DME
...
1
vote
4answers
1k views
Is there a radio frequency that is sure to be quiet?
When flying in beautiful VFR weather, I often search for a quiet frequency so I don't listen to a lot of chatter.
Guard (121.5) sometimes works, but sometimes has "Guard"-ians on it.
("Yer on gaaard")...
6
votes
4answers
5k views
Can normal PC headsets replace 'aviation' headsets?
Aviation headsets have Noise Reduction and a larger jack (1/4") than most PC headset counterparts (1/8"). But there are many excellent quality PC headsets with sound-proofing materials which eliminate ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Is there an ATC radio backup?
I was thinking, what would happen if the radio systems for an ATC tower fail due to power loss or faulty systems?
Is there any kind of backup radio that would be used to contact the planes and/or ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
Why is radio communication still used?
Why is radio still the method of communication from the ground to air? If i'm not mistaken, cellular services should be much better in quality and reliability
2
votes
1answer
70 views
Which authority is responsible for RT licensing in the Netherlands?
Which authority does issue the separate RT license for pilots in the Netherlands?
I had a conversation with Netherlands CAA and they could not help me.
6
votes
2answers
545 views
What will be in 'radiotelephony privileges' part of EASA PPL without practical RT examination?
My question is addressed to pilots who recently obtained PPL in Europe (preferably in Czech Republic, but not so important).
As I understand, EASA itself does not require separate radiotelephony ...
4
votes
0answers
154 views
Is it normal for airport to transmit unmodulated carrier on its ATIS frequency for extended periods of time?
So I'm around 4 km away from the City-Airport Mannheim (EDFM/MHG). Various websites tell me that its ATIS frequency is 136.550 MHz.
When I tune to 136.550 with my VHF AM receiver, I can see a strong ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
Is there anything better than LiveATC to get accustomed with RT phraseology?
I would like to "train my ear" for RT communications and I tried to listen to approach of Dublin's Airport. I simply can't understand more than 50% words because of loud background whistle and poor (...
16
votes
1answer
8k views
What is the night effect?
I read the night effect takes place in radio navigation, especially VOR and NDB. My questions are:
What is its nature?
Why does it occur?
What are the consequences of it?
6
votes
5answers
2k views
Is there a solution to radio interference?
I was reading about the Tenerife Disaster and came across what seemed to be the probable cause behind the accident.
A simultaneous radio call from the Pan Am crew caused mutual interference on the ...
15
votes
2answers
2k views
Do transoceanic airliners monitor marine VHF emergency frequencies?
I know that modern jetliners often have a multitude of radio equipment on board, including VHF, HF, satellite, etc.
From what I've read (such as here), it's customary for jetliners to monitor 121.5 ...
5
votes
2answers
5k views
How to check if (small) aircraft's radio is working properly?
Is there a standard way to test/check aircraft's radio without calling anybody (Ground/Tower) to see if it is receiving and transmitting?
Is there a way to check aircraft radio with your own ...
7
votes
1answer
6k views
What's the meaning of underlined frequency in sectional chart nav aid box?
There is a statement to describe the underlined frequency in legend, it says:
Underline indicates no voice on this frequency.
What does this mean? We still need to ident the Morse code, doesn't it?...
6
votes
1answer
831 views
What do the radiation patterns of ADS-B transmissions on large airliners tend to look like?
In the recent article Flightradar24 gears up for a new wave of flight tracking I've read about FR24's experimental Wave Glider ADS-B receiver - essentially a self-propelled, solar power buoy as a ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
What was the range of a low-frequency radio range station?
The low-frequency radio range is a historic navigation aid that was in use from the 20's to the 70's.
I find it quite interesting. Using AM frequencies, what was the range of a high power LFR station?...
2
votes
1answer
191 views
Do new VHF radios need to be flight tested?
I'm in the process of upgrading all our VHF radios and the local regulator has asked us to follow the guidance/recommendations from ICAO, as we have more or less cancelled many of our local rules. The ...
5
votes
2answers
239 views
How to avoid talking over others when using different send/receive frequencies?
Related to this question about flight services: when I talk to FSS over the generic or the local receive-only frequency while listening to the VOR voice channel, how do I avoid talking over others on ...
9
votes
2answers
926 views
How can I find the location and coverage of aviation VHF transmitters?
In the USA, is there a way to find locations of VHF transmitters that are used for air traffic communication, and the frequencies they transmit/receive on? There are some places (Northern Bay Area, CA)...
3
votes
1answer
736 views
What is the expected range of handheld radio?
For a handheld VHF radio carried as an emergency backup, how should I expect the effective radius of a handheld radio to compare with on-board radios in two-way communications? I figure reception ...
10
votes
1answer
644 views
Why do some airport towers avoid monitoring 121.5?
In the USA airport facilities directory (AFD), some towers (eg KSJC) are listed with the note:
Emerg frequency 121.5 not avbl at tower.
Why do these facilities not monitor guard? Does the note ...
2
votes
1answer
759 views
Can I use my aviation handheld transceiver on MURS?
Is there a regulation or rule about using handheld aviation transceivers e.g. Icom A-24 for ground to ground communication on MURS frequencies?
Can I just use Icom A-24 for ground to ground? or do I ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Is it legal to use handheld radios to listen to airport frequencies in Australia?
I am a student pilot at ABX (YMAY) in Australia. It is a single engine aerodrome with three frequencies:
123.25;
125.80; and
the ATIS frequency
I live very close to the airport, directly under the ...
29
votes
5answers
15k views
Why is the quality of radio communication bad?
Why don't modern planes and ATC centers have good-quality audio for communication? For example in this video:
Or basically any other example of pilot communication(...
10
votes
3answers
1k views
Why don't transponders have active and stand-by value like radios?
This answer explains how pilots when switching code on transponder should either carefully avoid temporarily squawking one of the emergency codes, or should temporarily put the transponder in stand-by....
4
votes
1answer
380 views
Can aviation HF radios receive while transmitting?
I was listening to Gander Radio on HF at 5616 kHz today and I've noticed that operator at Gander would often start transmitting reply before the airplane finished transmission, as if trying to ...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
Does radar altimeter work over the ocean?
I'm wondering if radio waves are reflected by the sea. If so then the usual radar altimeter would work. If not, then is there any other fallback besides barometric altimeter?
According to the wiki ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
As a passenger, can I use my handheld radio in commercial flights?
During flight from one country to another, can I use my hand held radio during flight to listen to ATC?
