Navigation & Radio at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
US
DCA
/
KDCA
Radio Frequencies
21
Navigation Aids
5
Radio Frequencies
APP
119.850 MHz
ID: 513208
Ref: 3483
APP
124.200 MHz
ID: 513209
Ref: 3483
CLRD
128.250 MHz
ID: 513212
Ref: 3483
DEP
118.950 MHz
ID: 513210
Ref: 3483
DEP
118.950 MHz
ID: 513210
Ref: 3483
DEP
125.650 MHz
ID: 513211
Ref: 3483
DEP
125.650 MHz
ID: 513211
Ref: 3483
GND
121.700 MHz
Washington Ground
ID: 513203
Ref: 3483
GND
121.700 MHz
Washington Ground
ID: 513203
Ref: 3483
GND
257.600 MHz
ID: 513205
Ref: 3483
GND
257.600 MHz
ID: 513205
Ref: 3483
TWR
119.100 MHz
Washington Tower
ID: 513204
Ref: 3483
TWR
119.100 MHz
Washington Tower
ID: 513204
Ref: 3483
TWR
134.350 MHz
ID: 513206
Ref: 3483
TWR
134.350 MHz
ID: 513206
Ref: 3483
TWR
257.600 MHz
Washington Tower ;Helicopters
ID: 513207
Ref: 3483
TWR
257.600 MHz
Washington Tower ;Helicopters
ID: 513207
Ref: 3483
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 61728
Ref: 3483
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 61728
Ref: 3483
WXAS
132.650 MHz
WX ASOS: (703-418-1177)
ID: 513202
Ref: 3483
WXAS
132.650 MHz
WX ASOS: (703-418-1177)
ID: 513202
Ref: 3483
Navigation Aids
DC
NDB
0.332 MHz
Oxonn
Location
Latitude:
38.766102°
Longitude:
-77.026604°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
-10.391°
ID: 87301
DC
NDB
0.332 MHz
Oxonn
Location
Latitude:
38.766102°
Longitude:
-77.026604°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
-10.391°
ID: 87301
DCA
VOR-DME
111.000 MHz
Washington
Location
Latitude:
38.859501°
Longitude:
-77.036400°
Elevation:
9 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
LO
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-10.403°
DME Information
Channel:
047X
Frequency:
111.000 MHz
ID: 87303
DCA
VOR-DME
111.000 MHz
Washington
Location
Latitude:
38.859501°
Longitude:
-77.036400°
Elevation:
9 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
LO
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-10.403°
DME Information
Channel:
047X
Frequency:
111.000 MHz
ID: 87303
GTN
NDB
0.323 MHz
Georgetown
Location
Latitude:
38.929901°
Longitude:
-77.124199°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
LO
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
-10.380°
ID: 88619
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