Navigation & Radio at San Francisco International Airport
US
SFO
/
KSFO
Radio Frequencies
17
Navigation Aids
4
Radio Frequencies
APP
128.325 MHz
NORCAL APP
ID: 509888
Ref: 3878
APP
133.950 MHz
NORCAL APP SECONDARY
ID: 509889
Ref: 3878
APP
134.500 MHz
NORCAL APP INITIAL CONTACT
ID: 60459
Ref: 3878
ATIS
113.700 MHz
ATIS
ID: 60460
Ref: 3878
AWOS
118.050 MHz
AWOS 1
ID: 60461
Ref: 3878
CLD
118.200 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 60462
Ref: 3878
CLD
118.200 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 60462
Ref: 3878
DEP
120.900 MHz
NORCAL DEP NW-EAST
ID: 60463
Ref: 3878
DEP
135.100 MHz
NORCAL DEP SE-WEST
ID: 509890
Ref: 3878
DEP
135.100 MHz
NORCAL DEP SE-WEST
ID: 509890
Ref: 3878
GND
121.800 MHz
GND
ID: 60464
Ref: 3878
MISC
34.500 MHz
USCG
ID: 60465
Ref: 3878
MISC
34.500 MHz
USCG
ID: 60465
Ref: 3878
TWR
120.500 MHz
TWR
ID: 60466
Ref: 3878
TWR
120.500 MHz
TWR
ID: 60466
Ref: 3878
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 60467
Ref: 3878
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 60467
Ref: 3878
Navigation Aids
SF
NDB
0.379 MHz
Brijj
Location
Latitude:
37.572201°
Longitude:
-122.260002°
Elevation:
11 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
14.405°
ID: 93518
SF
NDB
0.379 MHz
Brijj
Location
Latitude:
37.572201°
Longitude:
-122.260002°
Elevation:
11 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
14.405°
ID: 93518
SFO
VOR-DME
115.800 MHz
San Francisco
Location
Latitude:
37.619499°
Longitude:
-122.374001°
Elevation:
13 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
14.423°
DME Information
Channel:
105X
Frequency:
115.800 MHz
ID: 93531
SFO
VOR-DME
115.800 MHz
San Francisco
Location
Latitude:
37.619499°
Longitude:
-122.374001°
Elevation:
13 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
14.423°
DME Information
Channel:
105X
Frequency:
115.800 MHz
ID: 93531
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