Navigation & Radio at Juan Santamaría International Airport

CR

SJO / MROC
Radio Frequencies
6
Navigation Aids
4

Radio Frequencies

ACC 119.600 MHz
COCO CON
ID: 51602 Ref: 4810
APP 120.500 MHz
COCO APP
ID: 51603 Ref: 4810
CLD 121.300 MHz
CLNC
ID: 51604 Ref: 4810
GND 121.900 MHz
GND
ID: 51605 Ref: 4810
RDO 126.800 MHz
COCO RDO
ID: 51606 Ref: 4810
TWR 118.600 MHz
COCO TWR
ID: 51607 Ref: 4810

Navigation Aids

HOR NDB
0.260 MHz

Horcones

Location

Latitude: 9.960530°
Longitude: -84.293503°
Elevation: N/A ft

Additional Info

Usage: TERMINAL
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: -0.017°
ID: 88962
HOR NDB
0.260 MHz

Horcones

Location

Latitude: 9.960530°
Longitude: -84.293503°
Elevation: N/A ft

Additional Info

Usage: TERMINAL
Power: MEDIUM
Mag Var: -0.017°
ID: 88962
TIO VOR-DME
115.700 MHz

El Coco

Location

Latitude: 9.983610°
Longitude: -84.236099°
Elevation: 3021 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -0.042°

DME Information

Channel: 104X
Frequency: 115.700 MHz
ID: 94373
TIO VOR-DME
115.700 MHz

El Coco

Location

Latitude: 9.983610°
Longitude: -84.236099°
Elevation: 3021 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -0.042°

DME Information

Channel: 104X
Frequency: 115.700 MHz
ID: 94373

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