Navigation & Radio at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport
IT
CTA
/
LICC
Radio Frequencies
8
Navigation Aids
2
Radio Frequencies
APP
119.250 MHz
APP
ID: 54291
Ref: 4318
APP
119.250 MHz
APP
ID: 54291
Ref: 4318
DIR
120.800 MHz
DIRECTOR
ID: 54292
Ref: 4318
DIR
120.800 MHz
DIRECTOR
ID: 54292
Ref: 4318
GND
129.725 MHz
GND
ID: 54293
Ref: 4318
GND
129.725 MHz
GND
ID: 54293
Ref: 4318
TWR
118.700 MHz
TWR
ID: 54294
Ref: 4318
TWR
118.700 MHz
TWR
ID: 54294
Ref: 4318
Navigation Aids
CAT
NDB
0.345 MHz
Catania
Location
Latitude:
37.456902°
Longitude:
14.965700°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
2.015°
ID: 86591
CTF
NDB
0.407 MHz
Catania Fontanarossa
Location
Latitude:
37.463600°
Longitude:
15.062600°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
2.025°
ID: 87082
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