Navigation & Radio at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport

US

OAK / KOAK
Radio Frequencies
9
Navigation Aids
2

Radio Frequencies

APP 31.760 MHz
NORCAL APP
ID: 59896 Ref: 3744
APP 125.350 MHz
NORCAL APP
ID: 59895 Ref: 3744
ATIS 133.775 MHz
ATIS
ID: 59897 Ref: 3744
CLD 121.100 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 59898 Ref: 3744
DEP 120.900 MHz
NORCAL DEP
ID: 59899 Ref: 3744
GND 121.750 MHz
GND
ID: 59900 Ref: 3744
RDO 122.000 MHz
OAKLAND RDO
ID: 59901 Ref: 3744
TWR 118.300 MHz
OAKLAND TWR
ID: 59902 Ref: 3744
UNIC 122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 59903 Ref: 3744

Navigation Aids

OAK VORTAC
116.800 MHz

Oakland

Location

Latitude: 37.725899°
Longitude: -122.223999°
Elevation: 10 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: 14.426°

DME Information

Channel: 115X
Frequency: 116.800 MHz
ID: 91839
OAK VORTAC
116.800 MHz

Oakland

Location

Latitude: 37.725899°
Longitude: -122.223999°
Elevation: 10 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: 14.426°

DME Information

Channel: 115X
Frequency: 116.800 MHz
ID: 91839

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