Navigation & Radio at Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 Airport

US

PMD / KPMD
Radio Frequencies
9
Navigation Aids
2

Radio Frequencies

A/D 124.550 MHz
JOSHUA APP/DEP
ID: 68227 Ref: 3782
ASOS 118.275 MHz
ASOS
ID: 68228 Ref: 3782
ASOS 118.275 MHz
ASOS
ID: 68228 Ref: 3782
CTAF 123.700 MHz
CTAF
ID: 68229 Ref: 3782
CTAF 123.700 MHz
CTAF
ID: 68229 Ref: 3782
GND 121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 68230 Ref: 3782
GND 121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 68230 Ref: 3782
TWR 123.700 MHz
TWR
ID: 68231 Ref: 3782
TWR 123.700 MHz
TWR
ID: 68231 Ref: 3782

Navigation Aids

PMD VORTAC
114.500 MHz

Palmdale

Location

Latitude: 34.631401°
Longitude: -118.064003°
Elevation: 2500 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: 13.121°

DME Information

Channel: 092X
Frequency: 114.500 MHz
ID: 92539
PMD VORTAC
114.500 MHz

Palmdale

Location

Latitude: 34.631401°
Longitude: -118.064003°
Elevation: 2500 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: 13.121°

DME Information

Channel: 092X
Frequency: 114.500 MHz
ID: 92539

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