Navigation & Radio at Naval Air Station Key West/Boca Chica Field

US

NQX / KNQX
Radio Frequencies
11
Navigation Aids
4

Radio Frequencies

A/D 119.250 MHz
APP DEP
ID: 68079 Ref: 3738
A/D 119.250 MHz
APP DEP
ID: 68079 Ref: 3738
ATIS 27.720 MHz
ATIS
ID: 68080 Ref: 3738
CLD 121.200 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 68081 Ref: 3738
GND 121.700 MHz
GND
ID: 68082 Ref: 3738
OPS 33.800 MHz
BASE OPS
ID: 68083 Ref: 3738
OPS 33.800 MHz
BASE OPS
ID: 68083 Ref: 3738
PMSV 34.460 MHz
PMSV METRO
ID: 68084 Ref: 3738
PMSV 34.460 MHz
PMSV METRO
ID: 68084 Ref: 3738
TWR 126.100 MHz
TWR
ID: 68085 Ref: 3738
TWR 126.100 MHz
TWR
ID: 68085 Ref: 3738

Navigation Aids

EYW VORTAC
113.500 MHz

Key West

Location

Latitude: 24.585899°
Longitude: -81.800499°
Elevation: 10 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -4.140°

DME Information

Channel: 082X
Frequency: 113.500 MHz
ID: 87891
EYW VORTAC
113.500 MHz

Key West

Location

Latitude: 24.585899°
Longitude: -81.800499°
Elevation: 10 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -4.140°

DME Information

Channel: 082X
Frequency: 113.500 MHz
ID: 87891
NQX TACAN
113.100 MHz

Key West

Location

Latitude: 24.580099°
Longitude: -81.682297°
Elevation: 16 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -4.187°

DME Information

Channel: 078X
Frequency: 113.100 MHz
ID: 91685
NQX TACAN
113.100 MHz

Key West

Location

Latitude: 24.580099°
Longitude: -81.682297°
Elevation: 16 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -4.187°

DME Information

Channel: 078X
Frequency: 113.100 MHz
ID: 91685

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