Navigation & Radio at Santa Maria Public Airport Captain G Allan Hancock Field
US
SMX
/
KSMX
Radio Frequencies
11
Navigation Aids
4
Radio Frequencies
A/D
124.150 MHz
SANTA BARB APP/DEP
ID: 67958
Ref: 3893
ATIS
121.150 MHz
ATIS
ID: 67959
Ref: 3893
CTAF
118.300 MHz
CTAF
ID: 67960
Ref: 3893
CTR
119.050 MHz
LOS ANGELES CENTER
ID: 509943
Ref: 3893
GND
121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 67961
Ref: 3893
RDO
111.000 MHz
HAWTHORNE RDO
ID: 67962
Ref: 3893
RDO
111.000 MHz
HAWTHORNE RDO
ID: 67962
Ref: 3893
TWR
118.300 MHz
TWR
ID: 67963
Ref: 3893
TWR
118.300 MHz
TWR
ID: 67963
Ref: 3893
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 67964
Ref: 3893
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 67964
Ref: 3893
Navigation Aids
GLJ
VOR
111.000 MHz
Guadalupe
Location
Latitude:
34.952400°
Longitude:
-120.521004°
Elevation:
138 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
13.440°
ID: 88451
GLJ
VOR
111.000 MHz
Guadalupe
Location
Latitude:
34.952400°
Longitude:
-120.521004°
Elevation:
138 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
13.440°
ID: 88451
MQO
VORTAC
112.400 MHz
Morro Bay
Location
Latitude:
35.252300°
Longitude:
-120.760002°
Elevation:
1463 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
13.507°
DME Information
Channel:
071X
Frequency:
112.400 MHz
ID: 91215
MQO
VORTAC
112.400 MHz
Morro Bay
Location
Latitude:
35.252300°
Longitude:
-120.760002°
Elevation:
1463 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
13.507°
DME Information
Channel:
071X
Frequency:
112.400 MHz
ID: 91215
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