Navigation & Radio at Bocas del Toro International Airport
PA
BOC
/
MPBO
Radio Frequencies
4
Navigation Aids
2
Radio Frequencies
ACC
133.000 MHz
PANAMA CON
ID: 56268
Ref: 4786
FSS
135.200 MHz
PANAMA RDO
ID: 56269
Ref: 4786
FSS
135.200 MHz
PANAMA RDO
ID: 56269
Ref: 4786
RDO
123.700 MHz
RDO
ID: 56270
Ref: 4786
Navigation Aids
BDT
VOR-DME
114.900 MHz
Bocas Del Toro
Location
Latitude:
9.339970°
Longitude:
-82.251602°
Elevation:
10 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
-1.084°
DME Information
Channel:
096X
Frequency:
114.900 MHz
ID: 85918
BDT
VOR-DME
114.900 MHz
Bocas Del Toro
Location
Latitude:
9.339970°
Longitude:
-82.251602°
Elevation:
10 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
-1.084°
DME Information
Channel:
096X
Frequency:
114.900 MHz
ID: 85918
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