Navigation & Radio at Tuscaloosa National Airport
US
TCL
/
KTCL
Radio Frequencies
14
Navigation Aids
3
Radio Frequencies
A/D
120.150 MHz
BIRMINGHAM APP/DEP
ID: 63507
Ref: 3917
A/D
120.150 MHz
BIRMINGHAM APP/DEP
ID: 63507
Ref: 3917
ASOS
132.825 MHz
ASOS
ID: 63508
Ref: 3917
ASOS
132.825 MHz
ASOS
ID: 63508
Ref: 3917
CTAF
126.300 MHz
CTAF
ID: 63509
Ref: 3917
CTAF
126.300 MHz
CTAF
ID: 63509
Ref: 3917
GND
121.800 MHz
GND
ID: 63510
Ref: 3917
GND
121.800 MHz
GND
ID: 63510
Ref: 3917
RDO
122.200 MHz
ANNISTON RDO
ID: 63511
Ref: 3917
RDO
122.200 MHz
ANNISTON RDO
ID: 63511
Ref: 3917
TWR
126.300 MHz
TWR
ID: 63512
Ref: 3917
TWR
126.300 MHz
TWR
ID: 63512
Ref: 3917
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 63513
Ref: 3917
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 63513
Ref: 3917
Navigation Aids
LDK
VORTAC
117.800 MHz
Crimson
Location
Latitude:
33.258900°
Longitude:
-87.536903°
Elevation:
370 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
LO
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-1.416°
DME Information
Channel:
125X
Frequency:
117.800 MHz
ID: 90246
LDK
VORTAC
117.800 MHz
Crimson
Location
Latitude:
33.258900°
Longitude:
-87.536903°
Elevation:
370 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
LO
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-1.416°
DME Information
Channel:
125X
Frequency:
117.800 MHz
ID: 90246
TC
NDB
0.362 MHz
Tuske
Location
Latitude:
33.158501°
Longitude:
-87.670303°
Elevation:
N/A ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
-1.349°
ID: 94250
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