Navigation & Radio at Sacramento International Airport
US
SMF
/
KSMF
Radio Frequencies
11
Navigation Aids
4
Radio Frequencies
A/D
25.910 MHz
NORCAL APP/DEP
ID: 69782
Ref: 3892
A/D
25.910 MHz
NORCAL APP/DEP
ID: 69782
Ref: 3892
A/D
125.250 MHz
NORCAL APP/DEP
ID: 69781
Ref: 3892
A/D
125.250 MHz
NORCAL APP/DEP
ID: 69781
Ref: 3892
ATIS
126.750 MHz
ATIS
ID: 69783
Ref: 3892
ATIS
126.750 MHz
ATIS
ID: 69783
Ref: 3892
CLD
121.100 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 69784
Ref: 3892
GND
121.700 MHz
GND
ID: 69785
Ref: 3892
CLD
121.100 MHz
CLNC DEL
ID: 69784
Ref: 3892
TWR
125.700 MHz
CAPITOL TWR
ID: 69786
Ref: 3892
UNIC
122.950 MHz
UNICOM
ID: 69787
Ref: 3892
Navigation Aids
HU
NDB
0.400 MHz
Lanee
Location
Latitude:
38.617001°
Longitude:
-121.602997°
Elevation:
15 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
14.511°
ID: 89035
HU
NDB
0.400 MHz
Lanee
Location
Latitude:
38.617001°
Longitude:
-121.602997°
Elevation:
15 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
14.511°
ID: 89035
SM
NDB
0.230 MHz
Metre
Location
Latitude:
38.794998°
Longitude:
-121.598999°
Elevation:
15 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
14.539°
ID: 93767
SM
NDB
0.230 MHz
Metre
Location
Latitude:
38.794998°
Longitude:
-121.598999°
Elevation:
15 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
TERMINAL
Power:
LOW
Mag Var:
14.539°
ID: 93767
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