Navigation & Radio at Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport
LK
CMB
/
VCBI
Radio Frequencies
5
Navigation Aids
4
Radio Frequencies
APP
120.900 MHz
COLOMBO APP
ID: 51092
Ref: 26463
ATIS
127.200 MHz
ATIS
ID: 51093
Ref: 26463
GND
121.900 MHz
COLOMBO GND
ID: 51094
Ref: 26463
TWR
118.700 MHz
COLOMBO TWR
ID: 51095
Ref: 26463
TWR
118.700 MHz
COLOMBO TWR
ID: 51095
Ref: 26463
Navigation Aids
CNL
NDB
0.315 MHz
Bandaranaike
Location
Latitude:
7.268590°
Longitude:
79.950897°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
-2.406°
ID: 86916
CNL
NDB
0.315 MHz
Bandaranaike
Location
Latitude:
7.268590°
Longitude:
79.950897°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
-2.406°
ID: 86916
KAT
VOR-DME
112.700 MHz
Bandaranaike
Location
Latitude:
7.161270°
Longitude:
79.868500°
Elevation:
29 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
-2.420°
DME Information
Channel:
074X
Frequency:
112.700 MHz
ID: 89662
KAT
VOR-DME
112.700 MHz
Bandaranaike
Location
Latitude:
7.161270°
Longitude:
79.868500°
Elevation:
29 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
-2.420°
DME Information
Channel:
074X
Frequency:
112.700 MHz
ID: 89662
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