Navigation & Radio at Waterkloof Air Force Base

ZA

WKF / FAWK
Radio Frequencies
9
Navigation Aids
5

Radio Frequencies

APP 134.400 MHz
APP
ID: 57036 Ref: 2856
ATIS 116.900 MHz
ATIS
ID: 57037 Ref: 2856
ATIS 116.900 MHz
ATIS
ID: 57037 Ref: 2856
GCA 127.500 MHz
GCA
ID: 57038 Ref: 2856
GCA 127.500 MHz
GCA
ID: 57038 Ref: 2856
GND 121.850 MHz
GND
ID: 57039 Ref: 2856
GND 121.850 MHz
GND
ID: 57039 Ref: 2856
TWR 124.100 MHz
TWR
ID: 57040 Ref: 2856
TWR 124.100 MHz
TWR
ID: 57040 Ref: 2856

Navigation Aids

WK NDB
0.330 MHz

Waterkloof

Location

Latitude: -25.919500°
Longitude: 28.232100°
Elevation: 4783 ft

Additional Info

Usage: TERMINAL
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -17.302°
ID: 95436
WK NDB
0.330 MHz

Waterkloof

Location

Latitude: -25.919500°
Longitude: 28.232100°
Elevation: 4783 ft

Additional Info

Usage: TERMINAL
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -17.302°
ID: 95436
WKV VORTAC
116.900 MHz

Waterkloof

Location

Latitude: -25.833300°
Longitude: 28.220400°
Elevation: 4903 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -17.230°

DME Information

Channel: 116X
Frequency: 116.900 MHz
ID: 95443
WL NDB
0.315 MHz

Waterkloof

Location

Latitude: -25.852200°
Longitude: 28.226000°
Elevation: 4796 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: -17.246°
ID: 95447
WL NDB
0.315 MHz

Waterkloof

Location

Latitude: -25.852200°
Longitude: 28.226000°
Elevation: 4796 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: -17.246°
ID: 95447

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