Navigation & Radio at Santa Maria Airport

PT

SMA / LPAZ
Radio Frequencies
12
Navigation Aids
3

Radio Frequencies

A/G 301.600 MHz
A/G
ID: 56306 Ref: 4439
A/G 301.600 MHz
A/G
ID: 56306 Ref: 4439
A/G 1,130.900 MHz
A/G
ID: 56307 Ref: 4439
A/G 1,130.900 MHz
A/G
ID: 56307 Ref: 4439
ACC 132.150 MHz
CON
ID: 56308 Ref: 4439
ACC 132.150 MHz
CON
ID: 56308 Ref: 4439
APP 119.000 MHz
APP
ID: 56309 Ref: 4439
APP 119.000 MHz
APP
ID: 56309 Ref: 4439
RDO 127.900 MHz
RDO
ID: 56310 Ref: 4439
RDO 127.900 MHz
RDO
ID: 56310 Ref: 4439
TWR 118.100 MHz
TWR
ID: 56311 Ref: 4439
TWR 118.100 MHz
TWR
ID: 56311 Ref: 4439

Navigation Aids

SMA NDB
0.323 MHz

Santa Maria

Location

Latitude: 36.996700°
Longitude: -25.175600°
Elevation: 308 ft

Additional Info

Usage: TERMINAL
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -9.555°
ID: 93770
VSM VOR-DME
113.700 MHz

Santa Maria

Location

Latitude: 36.962799°
Longitude: -25.166401°
Elevation: 24 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -9.551°

DME Information

Channel: 084X
Frequency: 113.700 MHz
ID: 95286
VSM VOR-DME
113.700 MHz

Santa Maria

Location

Latitude: 36.962799°
Longitude: -25.166401°
Elevation: 24 ft

Additional Info

Usage: BOTH
Power: HIGH
Mag Var: -9.551°

DME Information

Channel: 084X
Frequency: 113.700 MHz
ID: 95286

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