Tune in to Takeoff: The Main Airport Radio Frequencies
Site Owner & Radio Enthusiast
In the high-stakes world of aviation, miscommunications can lead to catastrophic consequences.
As such, pilots and air traffic controllers must rely on precise radio frequencies to avert disaster.
I’ll explore the main airport frequencies in detail to help you understand their ideal applications. You’ll know the importance of these frequencies and how to use them.
Let’s get started!
The Main Airport Radio Frequencies Explained
Airport radio frequencies, or airbands, are the cornerstone of safe and efficient air travel.
These frequencies are vital since they facilitate clear and precise communications between air traffic controllers and pilots.
Let’s explore the main airport frequencies next.
Tower Frequency (118-136.975)
The pilot’s direct link to the control tower is the tower frequency, the channel through which they receive critical instructions for takeoffs, landings, and taxiing on the runway.
Without the tower frequency, chaos could ensue on the runways, making airports hazardous.
Ground Control Frequency (121.3-121.9)
Pilots use ground control frequencies to facilitate and coordinate aircraft movement on the ground.
The pilot taxiing to a designated gate, the ground crew guiding the plane, and the pushback operator must communicate seamlessly to avert costly delays on the runway or accidents, all necessary for orderly and safe takeoffs and landings.
Clearance Delivery Frequency (Mostly 121.0)
Overlooking the importance of clearance delivery frequencies is easy, yet they provide pilots with the initial clearances before departure.
Aircraft clearances include route assignments (airways, waypoints, speed restrictions, and holding patterns), altitudes, and squawk codes which help in safe and orderly takeoffs.
ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) Frequency (118.0 – 136.975)
Pilots receive real-time information via this frequency.
Some up-to-date data from ATIS include weather updates and active runways. This info is invaluable in safe landings and departures, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Common Airport Radio Frequencies
ATC tower, ground control, clearance delivery, and ATIS airport frequencies aside, there are additional frequencies that are used in airports to facilitate aviation operations.
Here is a table to help you get acquainted with these radio frequencies and their function:
| Frequency Type | Purpose | Frequency (MHz) |
| ATC Tower (Local Control) | Communication at controlled airports for takeoffs, landings, and taxiing | 118.0 – 136.975 |
| Ground Control | Coordination of ground movements at controlled airports, including taxiing and pushback | 121.3 – 121.9 |
| Clearance Delivery | Initial clearances at controlled airports before departure | Around 121.0 |
| ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) | Providing pilots with essential flight information, weather updates, runway details, and more | 118.0 – 136.975 |
| Approach Control | Sequencing incoming aircraft for runways specified by the tower | Varies by airport |
| Center (ARTCC) Frequencies | Communication with Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) for en-route traffic | 118.0 – 137.0 |
| Unicom | Pilot-to-pilot communication and coordination, often used at smaller airports | 122.7 |
| Emergency (Guard Frequency) | Universal emergency frequency for distress calls and emergencies | 121.5 or 243.0 |
| Pilot-to-Pilot Communication | Air-to-air frequencies for communication between pilots | Varies, e.g., 123.45 |
| Flight Service Stations (FSS) | Obtaining pre-flight and in-flight weather briefings and information | Varies by region |
| Guard Frequency | Emergency frequency monitored by relevant authorities | 121.5 or 243.0 |
Table 1: The common airport radio frequencies
Examples of Radio Frequencies by Popular Airports
Below are five major international airports covered in our exploration of the practical application of airport radio frequencies.
1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York, USA
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California, USA
3. London Heathrow Airport (EGLL), United Kingdom
4. Frankfurt Airport (EDDF), Germany
5. Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (YSSY), Australia
The table below shows the main airport frequencies used in these international airports:
| Airport | ATC Tower (MHz) | Ground Control (MHz) | Clearance Delivery (MHz) | ATIS (MHz) |
| JFK International Airport (JFK) | 119.1 | 121.9 | 135.05 | 128.725 |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | 133.9 | 121.75 | 120.35 | 133.8 |
| London Heathrow Airport (EGLL) | 118.5 | 121.85 | 121.98 | 128.08 |
| Frankfurt Airport (EDDF) | 119.9 | 121.75 | 118.5 | 118.03 |
| Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (YSSY) | 120.5 | 121.7 | 123.75 | 118.4 |
CTAF and UNICOM Explained
Non-towered or small airports use CTAF (common traffic advisory frequency) and UNICOM frequencies for communication.
These frequencies include 122.7, 122.8, 122.9, 123.0, and 123.050, and they help maintain safety and order without control towers and dedicated air traffic control personnel.
Please note that 122.950 is the CTAF frequency in airports with ATCT (air traffic control tower) or full-time FSS (flight service station).
CTAF is a critical frequency that allows pilots to self-announce their positions and intentions and coordinate actions.
Alternatively, UNICOM, managed by FBOs (fixed base operators), offers essential ground service communication at airports, assisting pilots with services, inquiries, and coordination.
Please note that CTAF and UNICOM frequencies vary depending on the airport.
Emergency Frequencies Explained
The unsung aviation heroes are emergency frequencies, more so the universal emergency frequency at 121.5.
These frequencies are the lifeline that pilots and air traffic controllers use when facing distress situations in the skies.
Emergency frequencies allow:
1. Sending universal distress signals
2. Immediate assistance
3. Lost communication procedures
4. Coordination in emergencies
5. Continuous monitoring
What Is the Best Frequency to Listen to Aircraft?
118-136.95 (tower) is the best frequency to listen to aircraft, and it will allow you to hear the communication between pilots and air traffic controllers during takeoffs and landings.
The audio streams in this frequency include pilots identifying themselves, their location, and their intentions.
The best frequency to listen to aircraft depends on what you want to listen to.
If you wish to listen to aircraft movements on the ground, such as taxiing gate assignments or pushback, it will be best to tune to Ground Operation frequencies, which typically lie between the 121.6-121.9 MHZ range at many airports.
Aircraft Radio Frequencies Used for Aviation
The main airport radio frequencies used for aviation lie between 118.000 to 136.950 controlled from the tower.
For navigation and communication, please note that airports use other frequencies like VOR (VHF omnidirectional range) and DME (distance measuring equipment).
Final Thoughts
Airport radio frequencies, often taken for granted by passengers aboard their flights, play a pivotal role in ensuring that planes take off, land, and taxi with precision while maintaining the highest levels of safety.
From the bustling runways of JFK to the sprawling terminals of London Heathrow, these frequencies provide pilots, ground crews, and air traffic controllers with a lifeline of vital information that is vital in making the miracles of flight a reality.
I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes glimpse into how it all works!
