Navigation & Radio at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
US
SEA
/
KSEA
Radio Frequencies
10
Navigation Aids
5
Radio Frequencies
A/D
119.200 MHz
APP/DEP
ID: 63376
Ref: 3875
CLD
128.000 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 63378
Ref: 3875
CTAF
118.500 MHz
Oshosh traffic
ID: 302284
Ref: 3875
D-ATIS
118.000 MHz
Digital ATIS
ID: 63377
Ref: 3875
D-ATIS
118.000 MHz
Digital ATIS
ID: 63377
Ref: 3875
GND
121.700 MHz
Seattle Ground
ID: 63379
Ref: 3875
TWR
119.900 MHz
Seattle Tower
ID: 63380
Ref: 3875
GND
121.700 MHz
Seattle Ground
ID: 63379
Ref: 3875
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 63381
Ref: 3875
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 63381
Ref: 3875
Navigation Aids
ODD
NDB
0.224 MHz
Dondo
Location
Latitude:
47.364101°
Longitude:
-122.308998°
Elevation:
320 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
LO
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
17.354°
ID: 91891
SEA
VORTAC
116.800 MHz
Seattle
Location
Latitude:
47.435398°
Longitude:
-122.309998°
Elevation:
354 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
17.369°
DME Information
Channel:
115X
Frequency:
116.800 MHz
Latitude:
47.435700°
Longitude:
-122.310000°
Elevation:
354 ft
ID: 93494
SEA
VORTAC
116.800 MHz
Seattle
Location
Latitude:
47.435398°
Longitude:
-122.309998°
Elevation:
354 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
17.369°
DME Information
Channel:
115X
Frequency:
116.800 MHz
Latitude:
47.435700°
Longitude:
-122.310000°
Elevation:
354 ft
ID: 93494
SZ
NDB
0.281 MHz
Parkk
Location
Latitude:
47.532398°
Longitude:
-122.306999°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
17.388°
ID: 94142
SZ
NDB
0.281 MHz
Parkk
Location
Latitude:
47.532398°
Longitude:
-122.306999°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
17.388°
ID: 94142
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