Navigation & Radio at Tocumen International Airport

PA

PTY / MPTO
Radio Frequencies
13
Navigation Aids
5

Radio Frequencies

ACC 133.000 MHz
PANAMA CON
ID: 56245 Ref: 4793
ACC 133.000 MHz
PANAMA CON
ID: 56245 Ref: 4793
ACC 133.300 MHz
PANAMA CON
ID: 56244 Ref: 4793
ACC 133.300 MHz
PANAMA CON
ID: 56244 Ref: 4793
APP 119.700 MHz
PANAMA APP
ID: 56246 Ref: 4793
APP 119.700 MHz
PANAMA APP
ID: 56246 Ref: 4793
CLD 129.800 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 56247 Ref: 4793
CLD 129.800 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 56247 Ref: 4793
GND 121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 56248 Ref: 4793
GND 121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 56248 Ref: 4793
MISC 121.200 MHz
VFR ADVSY SVC
ID: 56249 Ref: 4793
MISC 121.200 MHz
VFR ADVSY SVC
ID: 56249 Ref: 4793
TWR 118.100 MHz
TWR
ID: 56250 Ref: 4793

Navigation Aids

AT NDB
0.326 MHz

Tocumen

Location

Latitude: 9.041390°
Longitude: -79.396599°
Elevation: 135 ft

Additional Info

Usage: TERMINAL
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: -2.530°
ID: 85647
TBG NDB
0.311 MHz

Taboga Island

Location

Latitude: 8.788290°
Longitude: -79.560402°
Elevation: 914 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -2.438°
ID: 94226
TBG VOR-DME
110.000 MHz

Taboga Island

Location

Latitude: 8.787570°
Longitude: -79.561996°
Elevation: 999 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -2.437°

DME Information

Channel: 037X
Frequency: 110.000 MHz
ID: 94225
TUM VOR-DME
117.100 MHz

Tocumen

Location

Latitude: 9.051560°
Longitude: -79.400101°
Elevation: 135 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -2.529°

DME Information

Channel: 118X
Frequency: 117.100 MHz
ID: 94673
TUM VOR-DME
117.100 MHz

Tocumen

Location

Latitude: 9.051560°
Longitude: -79.400101°
Elevation: 135 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -2.529°

DME Information

Channel: 118X
Frequency: 117.100 MHz
ID: 94673

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