Navigation & Radio at Decatur Airport
US
DEC
/
KDEC
Radio Frequencies
7
Navigation Aids
4
Radio Frequencies
A/D
132.850 MHz
CHAMPAIGN APP/DEP
ID: 67020
Ref: 3485
ATIS
126.350 MHz
ATIS
ID: 67021
Ref: 3485
CTAF
118.900 MHz
CTAF
ID: 67022
Ref: 3485
GND
121.750 MHz
GND
ID: 67023
Ref: 3485
RDO
122.300 MHz
ST LOUIS RDO
ID: 67024
Ref: 3485
TWR
118.900 MHz
TWR
ID: 67025
Ref: 3485
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 67026
Ref: 3485
Navigation Aids
AXC
VORTAC
117.200 MHz
Decatur
Location
Latitude:
39.737521°
Longitude:
-88.856431°
Elevation:
708 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
3.000°
DME Information
Channel:
119X
Frequency:
117.200 MHz
ID: 87328
AXC
VORTAC
117.200 MHz
Decatur
Location
Latitude:
39.737521°
Longitude:
-88.856431°
Elevation:
708 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
3.000°
DME Information
Channel:
119X
Frequency:
117.200 MHz
ID: 87328
DE
NDB
0.275 MHz
Elwin
Location
Latitude:
39.790501°
Longitude:
-88.953796°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
-1.359°
ID: 87327
DE
NDB
0.275 MHz
Elwin
Location
Latitude:
39.790501°
Longitude:
-88.953796°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
-1.359°
ID: 87327
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