Navigation & Radio at Ellsworth Air Force Base
US
RCA
/
KRCA
Radio Frequencies
12
Navigation Aids
4
Radio Frequencies
A/D
119.500 MHz
APP/DEP
ID: 64485
Ref: 3840
A/D
119.500 MHz
APP/DEP
ID: 64485
Ref: 3840
ATIS
120.625 MHz
ATIS
ID: 64486
Ref: 3840
ATIS
120.625 MHz
ATIS
ID: 64486
Ref: 3840
GND
121.800 MHz
GND
ID: 64487
Ref: 3840
GND
121.800 MHz
GND
ID: 64487
Ref: 3840
PMSV
37.577 MHz
PMSV METRO
ID: 64488
Ref: 3840
POST
32.100 MHz
COMD POST
ID: 64489
Ref: 3840
PMSV
37.577 MHz
PMSV METRO
ID: 64488
Ref: 3840
PTD
37.220 MHz
PTD
ID: 64490
Ref: 3840
TWR
126.050 MHz
TWR
ID: 64491
Ref: 3840
TWR
126.050 MHz
TWR
ID: 64491
Ref: 3840
Navigation Aids
RAP
VORTAC
112.300 MHz
Rapid City
Location
Latitude:
43.976002°
Longitude:
-103.012001°
Elevation:
3160 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
8.503°
DME Information
Channel:
070X
Frequency:
112.300 MHz
ID: 92967
RAP
VORTAC
112.300 MHz
Rapid City
Location
Latitude:
43.976002°
Longitude:
-103.012001°
Elevation:
3160 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
8.503°
DME Information
Channel:
070X
Frequency:
112.300 MHz
ID: 92967
RCA
TACAN
108.800 MHz
Ellsworth
Location
Latitude:
44.139000°
Longitude:
-103.101997°
Elevation:
3200 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
8.545°
DME Information
Channel:
025X
Frequency:
108.800 MHz
ID: 93004
RCA
TACAN
108.800 MHz
Ellsworth
Location
Latitude:
44.139000°
Longitude:
-103.101997°
Elevation:
3200 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
8.545°
DME Information
Channel:
025X
Frequency:
108.800 MHz
ID: 93004
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