Navigation & Radio at Pietermaritzburg Airport
ZA
PZB
/
FAPM
Radio Frequencies
3
Navigation Aids
12
Radio Frequencies
APP
125.750 MHz
Durban Approach Control
ID: 323112
Ref: 2825
APP
125.750 MHz
Durban Approach Control
ID: 323112
Ref: 2825
TWR
122.000 MHz
TWR
ID: 57094
Ref: 2825
Navigation Aids
OBI
NDB
0.280 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.610201°
Longitude:
30.395000°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.192°
ID: 91860
OBI
NDB
0.280 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.610201°
Longitude:
30.395000°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.192°
ID: 91860
ORI
NDB
0.443 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.559601°
Longitude:
30.448700°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.164°
ID: 92096
ORI
NDB
0.443 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.559601°
Longitude:
30.448700°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.164°
ID: 92096
PM
NDB
0.363 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.647800°
Longitude:
30.400400°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.224°
ID: 92533
PM
NDB
0.363 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.647800°
Longitude:
30.400400°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.224°
ID: 92533
PMV
VOR-DME
117.900 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.647800°
Longitude:
30.400400°
Elevation:
2425 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
-23.221°
DME Information
Channel:
126X
Frequency:
117.900 MHz
ID: 92547
PMV
VOR-DME
117.900 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.647800°
Longitude:
30.400400°
Elevation:
2425 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
-23.221°
DME Information
Channel:
126X
Frequency:
117.900 MHz
ID: 92547
PU
NDB
0.407 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.661301°
Longitude:
30.409800°
Elevation:
2425 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.234°
ID: 92791
PU
NDB
0.407 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.661301°
Longitude:
30.409800°
Elevation:
2425 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.234°
ID: 92791
PZ
NDB
0.257 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.705601°
Longitude:
30.449499°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.283°
ID: 92859
PZ
NDB
0.257 MHz
Pietermaritzburg
Location
Latitude:
-29.705601°
Longitude:
30.449499°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-23.283°
ID: 92859
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