Navigation & Radio at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

US

BWI / KBWI
Radio Frequencies
15
Navigation Aids
4

Radio Frequencies

APP 119.000 MHz
POTOMAC APP
ID: 70770 Ref: 3435
APP 119.000 MHz
POTOMAC APP
ID: 70770 Ref: 3435
ATIS 115.100 MHz
ATIS
ID: 70771 Ref: 3435
ATIS 115.100 MHz
ATIS
ID: 70771 Ref: 3435
CLD 118.050 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 70772 Ref: 3435
CLD 118.050 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 70772 Ref: 3435
DEP 126.750 MHz
POTOMAC DEP
ID: 70773 Ref: 3435
GND 121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 70774 Ref: 3435
GND 121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 70774 Ref: 3435
RDO 122.200 MHz
LEESBURG RDO
ID: 70775 Ref: 3435
RDO 122.200 MHz
LEESBURG RDO
ID: 70775 Ref: 3435
TWR 119.400 MHz
TWR
ID: 70776 Ref: 3435
TWR 119.400 MHz
TWR
ID: 70776 Ref: 3435
UNIC 122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 70777 Ref: 3435
UNIC 122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 70777 Ref: 3435

Navigation Aids

BAL VORTAC
115.100 MHz

Baltimore

Location

Latitude: 39.171101°
Longitude: -76.661301°
Elevation: 140 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: -11.010°

DME Information

Channel: 098X
Frequency: 115.100 MHz
ID: 85793
BAL VORTAC
115.100 MHz

Baltimore

Location

Latitude: 39.171101°
Longitude: -76.661301°
Elevation: 140 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: -11.010°

DME Information

Channel: 098X
Frequency: 115.100 MHz
ID: 85793
FND NDB
0.371 MHz

Ellicott

Location

Latitude: 39.287399°
Longitude: -76.777000°
Elevation: 381 ft

Additional Info

Usage: TERMINAL
Power: LOW
Mag Var: -10.584°
ID: 88080
FND NDB
0.371 MHz

Ellicott

Location

Latitude: 39.287399°
Longitude: -76.777000°
Elevation: 381 ft

Additional Info

Usage: TERMINAL
Power: LOW
Mag Var: -10.584°
ID: 88080

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