Navigation & Radio at Sydney Bankstown Airport
AU
BWU
/
YSBK
Radio Frequencies
5
Navigation Aids
2
Radio Frequencies
ATIS
120.900 MHz
ATIS
ID: 48927
Ref: 27130
CTAF
132.800 MHz
CTAF
ID: 48928
Ref: 27130
FSS
124.550 MHz
SYDNEY CENTRE
ID: 48929
Ref: 27130
GND
119.900 MHz
GND
ID: 48930
Ref: 27130
TWR
132.800 MHz
TWR
ID: 48931
Ref: 27130
Navigation Aids
BK
NDB
0.416 MHz
Bankstown
Location
Latitude:
-33.928299°
Longitude:
150.988998°
Elevation:
18 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
12.340°
ID: 86082
BK
NDB
0.416 MHz
Bankstown
Location
Latitude:
-33.928299°
Longitude:
150.988998°
Elevation:
18 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
12.340°
ID: 86082
Understanding Airport Navigation & Radio Communications
Radio Frequencies in Aviation
Radio frequencies are essential for communication between aircraft, air traffic control, and ground services. Here are the common types:
Common Frequency Types
- ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service): Continuous broadcast of airport conditions
- Ground: Communication with ground control for taxi instructions
- Tower: Communication with air traffic control tower
- Approach/Departure: Handling arriving and departing aircraft
- UNICOM/CTAF: Used at airports without control towers
Frequency Ranges
- VHF Band: 118.000 - 136.975 MHz
- Emergency: 121.5 MHz (International emergency frequency)
- Ground Control: Usually 121.6 - 121.9 MHz
- ATIS: Usually 108 - 118 MHz
- UNICOM: Typically 122.8 MHz (uncontrolled airports)
Navigation Aids (Navaids)
Navigation aids are electronic systems that help pilots determine their position and navigate safely. Here are the main types:
Types of Navaids
- VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range): Provides bearing information to aircraft
- DME (Distance Measuring Equipment): Gives slant-range distance to the station
- NDB (Non-Directional Beacon): Simple radio beacon for basic navigation
- TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation): Military version of VOR/DME
- VORTAC: Combined VOR and TACAN facility
Usage Types & Power Levels
- HI: High altitude navigation
- LO: Low altitude navigation
- TERM: Terminal area navigation
- Power Levels: HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW (affects range)
- RNAV: Area navigation capability
Important Notes
- Always verify frequencies and navaid status in current aviation publications
- Magnetic variation changes over time and should be considered when using navaids
- Some navaids may be out of service or have limited hours of operation
- DME distances are slant-range and may differ from actual ground distance