Navigation & Radio at San Tomé Airport
VE
SOM
/
SVST
Radio Frequencies
1
Navigation Aids
2
Radio Frequencies
TWR
118.850 MHz
TWR
ID: 576679
Ref: 6328
Navigation Aids
SOM
NDB
0.220 MHz
San Tome
Location
Latitude:
8.952250°
Longitude:
-64.143402°
Elevation:
861 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
MEDIUM
Mag Var:
-12.403°
ID: 93850
SOM
VOR-DME
116.500 MHz
San Tome
Location
Latitude:
8.943920°
Longitude:
-64.156403°
Elevation:
831 ft
Additional Info
Usage:
BOTH
Power:
HIGH
Mag Var:
-12.398°
DME Information
Channel:
112X
Frequency:
116.500 MHz
ID: 93848
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