Navigation & Radio at Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field

US

SLE / KSLE
Radio Frequencies
7
Navigation Aids
2

Radio Frequencies

ATIS 124.550 MHz
ATIS
ID: 63621 Ref: 3888
CNTR 125.800 MHz
SEATTLE CNTR
ID: 63622 Ref: 3888
CTAF 119.100 MHz
CTAF
ID: 63623 Ref: 3888
GND 121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 63624 Ref: 3888
RDO 122.600 MHz
MC MINNVILLE RDO
ID: 63625 Ref: 3888
TWR 119.100 MHz
SALEM TWR
ID: 63626 Ref: 3888
UNIC 122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 63627 Ref: 3888

Navigation Aids

SL NDB
0.266 MHz

Turno

Location

Latitude: 44.847401°
Longitude: -122.950996°
Elevation: N/A ft

Additional Info

Usage: LO
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: 16.533°
ID: 93717
SL NDB
0.266 MHz

Turno

Location

Latitude: 44.847401°
Longitude: -122.950996°
Elevation: N/A ft

Additional Info

Usage: LO
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: 16.533°
ID: 93717

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