Navigation & Radio at McChord Air Force Base
US
TCM
/
KTCM
Radio Frequencies
10
Navigation Aids
2
Radio Frequencies
A/D
126.500 MHz
SEATTLE APP/DEP
ID: 65999
Ref: 3918
A/D
126.500 MHz
SEATTLE APP/DEP
ID: 65999
Ref: 3918
ATIS
27.010 MHz
ATIS
ID: 66000
Ref: 3918
GND
125.150 MHz
GND
ID: 66001
Ref: 3918
PMSV
34.250 MHz
PMSV METRO
ID: 66002
Ref: 3918
POST
34.940 MHz
COMD POST
ID: 66003
Ref: 3918
PTD
37.220 MHz
PTD
ID: 66004
Ref: 3918
PTD
37.220 MHz
PTD
ID: 66004
Ref: 3918
TWR
124.800 MHz
TWR
ID: 66005
Ref: 3918
TWR
124.800 MHz
TWR
ID: 66005
Ref: 3918
Navigation Aids
TCM
VORTAC
109.600 MHz
Mcchord
Location
Latitude:
47.147701°
Longitude:
-122.474998°
Elevation:
284 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
17.330°
DME Information
Channel:
033X
Frequency:
109.600 MHz
ID: 94255
TCM
VORTAC
109.600 MHz
Mcchord
Location
Latitude:
47.147701°
Longitude:
-122.474998°
Elevation:
284 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
17.330°
DME Information
Channel:
033X
Frequency:
109.600 MHz
ID: 94255
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