© Frankljunior | Dreamstime.com – Air Traffic Control Tower And An Airplane Photo
This has become a popular question with our CC Skywave™.
According to Wikipedia, Airband, also referred to as Aircraft or Aviation band, is a group of frequencies in the VHF radio spectrum that are allocated to civil aviation radio communications. VHF is a short range, line of site transmission. Our radio covers 118 – 137MHz for Airband. In most countries a license is required to operate airband equipment but that appears to apply only to transceivers, not receivers. In some countries it is illegal to listen to or monitor the Airband without authorization (even in the UK).
The language that is used to communicate on this band can be a challenge to follow. Ken Hoke’s article on Stuff Pilots Say, gives some great insight into the meaning of the seemingly cryptic language used on Airband.
The primary purpose of Air traffic control worldwide is to prevent collisions, organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and provide information and other support for pilots. It was difficult to find any “history” of airband but it appears that it was first used extensively after World War I and after 1921 at Croydon airport in London. Navigation and air traffic control have changed over time and many areas use higher frequencies and RADAR and other more sophisticated systems. The Airband radio frequencies still continue to play a part though, especially in ground communication with pilots. It is used almost exclusively in small airports that don’t have control towers. We have one customer who plans to use the CC Skywave for monitoring the ground to pilot communication at the local air races.
As to why we decided to include Airband in our radio? Here is Bob’s answer:
“When you are in a big airport you are sometimes subject to the whims of security and circumstance. TSA does a great job but when the process gets a little tense I yearn for more information. I want to know everything that will affect my tiny domain. When you listen to aviation band you can usually figure out more by reading between the lines on what pilots and the control tower are talking about. Sometimes you gain a sense of power and wisdom as you do with any knowledge.”
For more information on what you might hear or how to listen, visit the links below.
http://radio-scanner-guide.com/radioscannerguidepart3c-civilaircraft.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Listen-to-Your-Local-Air-Traffic-Control
Tell us your best airline story in the comments below.
My best flight was also my shortest! Flying from San Jose, Ca to Sacramento, just a short hop on a small turbo prop 18 seater. There was a terrific cross wind with much turbulence landing in Sac. The plane was up and down, side to side. I could not believe when the wheels touched down we must have been 8 to 10 degrees or more at a side angle to correct for wind. Whew! Was not scared then, but thinking back it feels like I should have been. At the time I was thinking, “This is better than any amusement ride I’ve ever been on”!
In the Popular Mechanics magazine March 2015 page 17, there’s a story about a sun plane (solar-powered) airplane. It’s going on a 21,748 mile trip that will take five months to complete. The wingspan on a 747 is 211 feet, the wingspan on the solar plane is 236 feet.
I was on a flight many years ago leaving LAX on an American Airlines MD-80. Just over Palmdale we lost power in both engines. It got really quiet, and the attendants were scrabbling to prepare for the landing, which was surely going to take place. We ended up doing an emergency landing in John Wayne airport, and we landed safely. What a ride.
About 20 years ago I was departing out of Allentown, PA. The airport — then called Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton International, now Lehigh Valley International – is small in comparison to Philly or NYC. I went to the ticket counter and was met by a young lady, with pig tails. She gave me my boarding pass and checked my bag, and off I went to the terminal area. Awhile later, the same young lady called the flight, and took back my boarding pass.
I boarded the turbo prop, and took my window seat. A short time later, the very same young lady was driving the luggage truck, and helped the ground crew unload the truck. When I saw her with the orange flashlights directing the pilot to to the taxiway, I grabbed the flight attendant and told her “if she climbs into the cockpit, I’m getting out!”
I built a Ramsey Electronics Air Band Radio that picks up the whole band and you can hear all communications near you, you don’t need to know which channel to tune to, on one flight prior to take off, I discovered we were being de-iced and the ground crew and pilot were exchanging thanks and other pleasantries, and then we taxied to the takeoff runway, was very excited to be informed as to what was going on!
The plane was ready to go, when the pilot came over the speaker to say there was a mechanical problem and we would be delayed for a hour. Ten minutes later the plane lifted off the Tarmac and I prayed all the way. No explanation from pilot.
I remember coming into Guatemala City’s airport which is surrounded by mountains and a heck of a ride in. Then the pilot bounced the aircraft off of the landing strip and we had to wait in the international section of the airport for 8 hours without anywhere to buy food or drinks. We ended up bribing a guard to let us through to the food area.
It was a trip from the West Coast to the Mid West to spend Thanksgiving with an old friend. My favorite part of flying is the take offs and landings so I booked a stop in Denver, then Kansas City and finally a smaller airport in Kansas (I didn’t know that at the time). I was enjoying the bad weather from Denver to Kansas City and while I waited with strangers as the last leg of my trip was about to board as I became aware of a passenger seated next to me now in the airport and she was not pleased with seeing the snow and winds outside…plus she couldn’t stop thinking about recent air crashes. I did my best to calm her and as we were both traveling alone I became that somebody for her to lean on. As I assured her that the planes that had went down were much smaller than the jets we were flying on they called for us to board. We walked over the the gate to see that no plane was there waiting. I asked someone what gate and we were told “go down those stairs to your flight”. We did and left the building to see our plane was one of those twin engine planes I had tried to pass the buck to in an attempt to calm down my new friend. Needless to say my hand was squeezed to within an inch of it’ life during the flight as each bit of turbulence made her tighten her grip to ease her tension lol. We landed safely and she thanked me with a kiss on the cheek…it made it all worth it.
Years ago before strict TSA policies were the norm, I was flying on a widebody L-1011 jet. I was chatting with a steward about how big this plane is, about as bit as a 747. And, I remarked, the 747 has a spiral stairway to get to the second level. The steward then told me that the L-1011 is so big that it has a basement with an elevator for access. He then invited me to get on the elevator, a one person size, and he would join me after I rode down, which he did. While in the basement, I asked him how much fuel it burns. Would you believe it takes 100 gallons just for the takeoff. During level flight it burns over 5000 gallons per hour. He was fascinating to talk with. What an interesting fun trip that was. Try that today!
Correction, sorry, level flight it burns only 2200 gallons of fuel, my bad.
I was 15. It was 1967. It was my first time to fly. We got off the ground with no problems. We landed.
That taught me. The hardest part of flying is take off and landing. Everything in between is a joy.
I started listening to airband freqs in the 1960’s and it fueled my love for aviation and ham radio.
A long time ago I was late for my flight and they told me to run to the gate with my bag in today’s world with the TSA. That would never happen
I don’t fly but would like the radio.
There was a little airport in Murietta California. I used to love to go there with my little girl and eat at the cafe with the big windows watching the planes do touch and go’s.
airports are loud
I was traveling from Las Vegas to Bloomington In with a friend. We had a layover in Denver Co. My buddy & I had 2 hours to hang out in Denver. We went out side in our t-shirts & shorts. It was freezing cold outside w/ a foot of snow on the ground. We got back on the plane& ordered drinks. We bad a bottle of Crown Royal with us. The second time we rang the bell for more soda & Ice nobody came to help us out to get warm. So we walked back to the station where it was all stashed. We helped our selves the hole trip. We got all warmed up, singing having the time of our life. Everybody was sleeping on the plane maybe the pilots too, we didn’t care. When the plane landed in Indy, we were passed out 12 empty soda cans A bucket of ice and a empty bottle of Crown. It took the whole crew to get us off the plane. I guess they thought we played football for the Broncos and didn’t want to say nothing to us. I don’t know how they came up with that story, but we went with it and no questions asked! What a great start of a week vacation!
It was winter in the Chicago area, and I boarded a commuter flight to Ft Wayne. I was seated right behind the very young pilot, 12 seat aircraft….about landing time, the pilot announced that ground VFR was out in Ft Wayne! He landed by sight (11PM) while I said my prayers….WOW! what an experience
When I was really young, my parents would drive past this small private airport on the way to the pharmacy. Anyways I loved to come along, seeing small aircraft like a Piper Cub come sailing over the road we were on, just 40 – 50 feet in the air, right over our heads. Always gave me a thrill! Anyways, all that is gone now, and a neighborhood stands in its place. But I can still see those planes coming in.
I had a conversation with a4 year old who was about to take their first flight. We talked about how she was going to have to be like Alice in Wonderland and will need to make herself very small to fit into the tiny plane that we see in the air. She was excited about the magic of the upcoming trip; and then when she came back, she was surprised at how the world became very small once she was in the plane. Flying seems to give us such a chance to change our perspectives.
I WORK AT FRESNO YOSEMITE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND THE RADIO WOULD SURE BE HANDY.
Enjoy flying in and out of Sacramento on SouthWest, but my choice for international has to be Quantas when we flew to Australia. The crew bent over backwards to make sure you had the most enjoyable flight that took many hours. Strangest flight, sitting on the floor facing backwards in a C130 holding onto a strap that ran across the fuselage making a hop in Viet Nam in 1968 on my way back to the States.
Once on a business flight over the Adirondacks on a commuter-class plane the pilot turned on the seat-belt sign and came on the intercom to explain. “Folks,” he said, “we’re coming into a little bit of turbu-” and at that moment the plane felt like it dropped about a hundred feet, pitched and bumped like a bad landing, and items were thrown off passenger tray tables. We bounced for perhaps a minute while the pilot skillfully got us back to straight and level flight; then he came back on the intercom and continued “-lence, but I, uh, think we’re past the worst of it. Sorry about that, folks.”
The passengers applauded.
Back before it was acquired by Continental, I flew Texas International regularly on the Cleveland/Houston route. One day when I was in a hurry (as usual), security pulled me over after going through X-ray. They didn’t like a suspiciously-shaped foil-wrapped package in my carry-on. Turned out to be my frozen Polish sausage which I couldn’t get in Houston. When they saw what it was, they all wanted to confiscate it. From then on, I put it in checked baggage. Those were the days when you could have some fun with the security people.
As I boarded a flight I took a photo of a Delta bag handler asleep at the top of a baggage ramp. He was just snooin’ till the next load pulled up. Looked like a big duffel bag at first glance but when I zoomed in he was flat on his back, lights out.
38 years in Aviation with TWA and AA most of time in Northeast.
It is a great experience to hear air chatter between Pilots/ Air traffic control, I had the longest flight of my life when I traveled to the Netherlands’ that was an awesome experience long (9) hours but well worth the trip. I loved the Country
it was a life changing experience, I went when the moneys was still guildas not euros and the exchange rate for American dollars were high.
I’ve only took a round trip flight once so that’s all I can tell about. I went from Houston to LaGuardia airport. I loved the takeoff.
I don’t like ANY airports since flying became unenjoyable – and NO food/peanuts anymore! Since the ’80s – it’s all gone downhill…… I’ll listen to the radio!
American Airlines trip from Albany,NY to Charlotte,NC and the to New Bern,NC.My daughters first flight ever to visit her grandparents .My wife and I were a little apprehensive as to how our 3 year old would respond .Well,she had an absolute ball and was completely fascinated by the the flights,staff,the view and airports.She seemed to be right at home.What a great trip and a first experience shared with my daughter!
Steve
I will be flying again for the first time in 6 years next October. Infrequent flyer and have had no real bad experiences.
The year 1967 I flew on a DC6, piloted by a bush pioleted, with my baby son and two cats to Anchorage, Alaska. This was my favorite flight because we had lived on Adak Island in the Aleutians for 2 years and I was grateful to leave.
My aviation career started as an Army birddog pilot in. Vietnam. I went on to fly DC-3’s for 3 years in Key West, Fl before being hired by a “major” airline where I finished my 35 year career there as a Boeing 767 captain. Sadly, I reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in 2013 which ended my flying career but left me with many wonderful memories. I’d love the opportunity to listen in and relive those wonderful times and perhaps even recognize an old friends voice as he chats with the center.
Airport: Indianapolis, Indiana (IND) – Aircraft: Cessna 182 (C-182)
After receiving our taxi (ground) clearance my friend (very qualified high time pilot) made the wrong turn on the taxi-way out of the FBO. I did not want to say anything while I was double checking the clearance…we then came face-to-face with a 757. Both aircraft stopped. Ground frequency was … silent (they probably could not believe such a bone-headed maneuver could actually happen). I calmly asked my friend what he thought the conversation was on the bridge of the facing 757. Without hesitation he came back, quietly, saying “I’ll bet they are saying ‘what a nice 182 ! Wish I had one’ “.
We did a 180 on the taxi-way, took the proper route to the runway without further event. Ground Control never said a thing. Nice understanding folks those IND tower crew that day.
P.S. Years later we reflected they probably just wanted us out of their airport.
I remember sitting after 9pm in my 3rd floor Bedroom with my walkie talkie linked by cable to the Iron Radiator in Wyomissing Pa. listening to an UA Pilot.
Next door our Neighbor introduced me to his Ham radio and Gigantic antennae Ruined TV reception for his neighbors..
Around the same time in 8th grade we used to have group telephone dating. One person would call there own number and it would ring BUSY simultaneously 6-10 people would call the same number over the busy tone we could All talk to each other.
I lived once for a short time in Cali Colombia the Kidnapping capital of the world. The Eagles were in the Super Bowl that year. I picked up Multi Band radio while in USA and had a Speaker Cable connected to it and tossed it out the window of 10th story of the DANA hotel in Cali…The Friday before the Super Bowl I went to US Consulate and asked the Marine Guard the Frequencies for Armed forces radio. I returned that afternoon…having secured the Info . I listened to the game..unfortunately I was in Bathroom jettisoning some 1st half libations when Changing frequency announcement came on ..it took most of the 3rd quarter to encounter the frequency for the Super Bowl. Unfortunately my Eagles Lost and it would be 24 years until this event would happen again
Bought a ticket to the British Virgin islands from Expedia, only when I got to San Juan did I realize that the little 10 seater twin engine out on the tarmac was my flight! Turned out to be the best flight ever, nothing like a commercial jet as we buzzed over islands at sunset on our way to Tortolla.
My favorite story is when I rode in a T-38 trainer jet when I interviewed for a job with the air force. Amazing the power, speed and maneuverability as the pilot pulled out all the stops.
I remember designing and buyild an aviation band adapter for a shortwave receiver owned by my boss. He wanted a converter so his son could listen to aircraft broadcasts. It was a tremendouss learning experience for me and I enjoyed doing it foe him.
PDX is always nice, and clean.
In 1966 my Family left for Canada from Holland via KLM Airlines. Someone took a farewell picture of us and it shows me throwing down my hat, I was 6 years old, and apparently stating ” I’m not leaving, who’s going to look after the house?” We still laugh about it at family get-togethers…
Back in 1968, when I was a teenager and there was no security at the airports, a couple of friends and I would go to O’Hare airport around midnight, and spend the whole night watching planes and checking phone booths for change. We went up and down every terminal, checking every pay phone (and it seemed like there were hundreds of them) for money. By around 6AM, we usually had enough loose change to go out for breakfast.
I worked at Lear Astronics back in 1960 at the Santa Monica California Airport. Bill Lear changes the aviation world with his first Lear Jet!
He was brillant and interesting was not a college graduate. He was listed in Reader DIgest as one of the 10 smarted men in the USA that was self taught for the most part!
I think Lear also invented the old 8-track tape cartridge as well…
My favorite flight ever was my first overseas flight to Paris. I’d waited my whole life to take a trip there. I loved watching the airline’s map showing our flight path. So interesting to see exactly where we were as we flew over the Atlantic.
I don’t get to fly much, but my most recent experience was with Southwest/AirTran. Went to LAS from TPA nonstop. Comfortable uneventful flight. While waiting in the terminal at LAS to return, I had the opportunity to talk to a Southwest First Officer regarding the aerodynamic improvements to wing technology, specifically the scimitar wing. Thanks First Officer, very helpful and informative.
Asheville (Buncombe County) Airport is #1 regional airport in the country for non-stop flights to other cities like Chicago and Newark. It has direct flights to 5 Florida cities. It serves over 3/4 of a million passengers a year. Prettu great for a small city airport!
My favorite airplane related story is when I took a flight lesson in a very small two seater plane. I got to handle the controls when up around 3,000 feet, doing an ascent, descent and turns both ways using a joystick between my legs–no room in that plane, I had about an inch and a half space around my legs and the top of the cockpit was that same distance from the top of my head. As a result you really got to feel the effect of moving that joystick around. The only problem was all the instruments I had to keep an eye on while keeping an eye out and around the windows. I could’ve used more eyes, perhaps four. But it was a blask and if I had the money I’d become a pilot.
I was supposed to pick up my girlfriend at LAX, but the flight was delayed. Rather than paying for parking to wait for her arrival, I drove to a restaurant a few miles away and listened to the LAX Approach Control frequency so I would know when her flight arrived. The flights are identified by the airline name and flight number, so it’s easy to keep track.
All communications are in English, but sometimes I think the Air Traffic Controllers have magic ears to decipher what is being said by some of the international flight crews. Fortunately all of the instructions are repeated back to avoid confusion.
Northwest airlines is predominant in the Detroit area. I’m located about 10 miles north of DTW airport. Many planes fly almost directly overhead. It’s interesting to listen to.
In 1963 I flew on a Boeing 707 for the first time on the way to the United States Navy Boot Camp at San Diego, California, from Ohio. Actually this was the first time I had ever flown. Fortunately, or unfortunately I was seated by the window. It was beautiful watching the ground and all of our beautiful country’s countryside pass below me, however, I was sure fearful of the wings, they kept shaking and going up and down, and every now and then I would see oil streaks flashing across them. I didn’t know any better at that time so I was rather frightened. I was always interested in radios, and had built many crystal radio sets prior to joining the Navy, maybe this experience got me into enjoying aircraft transmissions. Now, I usually just listen to my scanner tuned to our local approach, departure, ground and tower frequencies. But, don’t forget all the other frequencies that can be found at your local airport, for instance, baggage handlers, ground crews, maintenance, the icemen, snow plows (unless you live where it is warm), and the TSA. Air shows and the UHF bands are also super to tune into. There is just tons of great listening in the air bands. Have fun, and enjoy the listening!
joepublisher
I’m pleased with the improvements that have been made @ Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
In 1991 I had my fires flight in any airplane. It was a B-25J Mitchell Bomber. It was on display and rides at the Battle Creek, MI Airport. I’m legally blind and had a friend show me the airplane and I asked about rides and they were available so I got my ticket and had the thrill of my life. My next flight was in a Ford Tri motor from the Kalamazoo, MI air museum with my dad in 1992. The last ride in an airplane…well a Bell “Bubble top” helicopter, was a few years ago. I’d sure like to fly in something like a Stearman or Piper Cub. I enjoy listening to the Kalamazoo (AZO) airport frequencies.