Navigation & Radio at Des Moines International Airport
US
DSM
/
KDSM
Radio Frequencies
11
Navigation Aids
4
Radio Frequencies
A/D
118.600 MHz
APP/DEP
ID: 67517
Ref: 3496
ATIS
119.550 MHz
ATIS
ID: 67518
Ref: 3496
CLD
134.150 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 67519
Ref: 3496
GND
121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 67520
Ref: 3496
OPS
138.150 MHz
ANG OPS MAINT
ID: 67521
Ref: 3496
OPS
138.150 MHz
ANG OPS MAINT
ID: 67521
Ref: 3496
RDO
122.650 MHz
FORT DODGE RDO
ID: 67522
Ref: 3496
TWR
118.300 MHz
TWR
ID: 67523
Ref: 3496
TWR
118.300 MHz
TWR
ID: 67523
Ref: 3496
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 67524
Ref: 3496
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 67524
Ref: 3496
Navigation Aids
DS
NDB
0.344 MHz
Forem
Location
Latitude:
41.482201°
Longitude:
-93.580597°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
1.571°
ID: 87534
DS
NDB
0.344 MHz
Forem
Location
Latitude:
41.482201°
Longitude:
-93.580597°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
1.571°
ID: 87534
DSM
VORTAC
117.500 MHz
Des Moines
Location
Latitude:
41.437000°
Longitude:
-93.648697°
Elevation:
940 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
2.006°
DME Information
Channel:
122X
Frequency:
117.500 MHz
ID: 87538
DSM
VORTAC
117.500 MHz
Des Moines
Location
Latitude:
41.437000°
Longitude:
-93.648697°
Elevation:
940 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
2.006°
DME Information
Channel:
122X
Frequency:
117.500 MHz
ID: 87538
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