Navigation & Radio at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

US

SBA / KSBA
Radio Frequencies
21
Navigation Aids
4

Radio Frequencies

A/D 120.550 MHz
151-329° INITIAL CONTACT
ID: 70810 Ref: 3866
A/D 120.550 MHz
151-329° INITIAL CONTACT
ID: 70810 Ref: 3866
A/D 124.150 MHz
A/D SANTA BARBARA
ID: 509929 Ref: 3866
A/D 125.400 MHz
330-150° INITAL CONTACT
ID: 509930 Ref: 3866
A/D 125.400 MHz
330-150° INITAL CONTACT
ID: 509930 Ref: 3866
A/D 127.725 MHz
A/D SANTA BARBARA
ID: 70811 Ref: 3866
A/D 127.725 MHz
A/D SANTA BARBARA
ID: 70811 Ref: 3866
ATIS 132.650 MHz
ATIS
ID: 70812 Ref: 3866
ATIS 132.650 MHz
ATIS
ID: 70812 Ref: 3866
CLD 132.900 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 70813 Ref: 3866
CLD 132.900 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 70813 Ref: 3866
CTAF 119.700 MHz
CTAF
ID: 70814 Ref: 3866
CTAF 119.700 MHz
CTAF
ID: 70814 Ref: 3866
CTR 119.050 MHz
LOS ANGELES CENTER
ID: 509931 Ref: 3866
CTR 119.050 MHz
LOS ANGELES CENTER
ID: 509931 Ref: 3866
GND 121.700 MHz
GND
ID: 70815 Ref: 3866
GND 121.700 MHz
GND
ID: 70815 Ref: 3866
TWR 119.700 MHz
TWR
ID: 70816 Ref: 3866
TWR 119.700 MHz
TWR
ID: 70816 Ref: 3866
UNIC 122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 70817 Ref: 3866
UNIC 122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 70817 Ref: 3866

Navigation Aids

GVO VORTAC
113.800 MHz

Gaviota

Location

Latitude: 34.531300°
Longitude: -120.091003°
Elevation: 2620 ft

Additional Info

Usage: LO
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: 13.335°

DME Information

Channel: 085X
Frequency: 113.800 MHz
ID: 88648
GVO VORTAC
113.800 MHz

Gaviota

Location

Latitude: 34.531300°
Longitude: -120.091003°
Elevation: 2620 ft

Additional Info

Usage: LO
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: 13.335°

DME Information

Channel: 085X
Frequency: 113.800 MHz
ID: 88648
RZS VORTAC
114.900 MHz

San Marcus

Location

Latitude: 34.509499°
Longitude: -119.771004°
Elevation: 3620 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: 13.299°

DME Information

Channel: 096X
Frequency: 114.900 MHz
ID: 93322
RZS VORTAC
114.900 MHz

San Marcus

Location

Latitude: 34.509499°
Longitude: -119.771004°
Elevation: 3620 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: 13.299°

DME Information

Channel: 096X
Frequency: 114.900 MHz
ID: 93322

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