Has anyone determined what the new Air Tanker Base Nationwide Frequency is?
Interagency Aviation Information Bulletin Date: January 12, 2023 Page 1 of 1 Subject: New Nationwide Airtanker Base Frequency. Area of Concern: Aviation Operations. Distribution: All Fire and Fire Aviation Operations Discussion: The FAA Spectrum Engineering Office has reassigned many radio frequencies including those used to support some wildland fire operations. As a result all Airtanker Base (ATB) frequencies will be reassigned. The new frequency will be published in the NWCG Airtanker Base Directory, PMS 507 which is available by logging in at Fire Enterprise Geospatial Portal. An account is required. Frequencies for aviation facilites are considered sensitive as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It is not to be disseminated without a Lawful Government Purpose. The transition date is scheduled for February 1, 2023. This frequency is to be used for all existing ATBs. Any portable or temporary bases will need to order a separate frequency. Frequency Management has become increasingly challenging due to the number of assignments using frequencies in the aviation bands. There are about 12,500 current assignments. Continental US frequencies are the most challenging to find frequencies for new facilities. Users should be aware that some UNICOM frequencies at facilities may be close to the new nationwide ATB frequency. Bleed over or interference could occur and is considered a hazard/communication issue. This should be reported to your Geographic Area Coordinating Group (GACC) and a SAFECOM filed as soon as possible. For additional questions regarding frequency issues, contact Kim Albracht at 208-830-2333 or kimberly.albracht@usda.gov. /s/ /Keith Raley /s/ Lori Clark Keith Raley Chief, Aviation Safety, Program Evaluation, and Quality Management DOI, Office of Aviation Services Lori Clark Branch Chief - Aviation Safety Management Systems USDA, Forest Service
Interagency Aviation Information Bulletin Date: January 12, 2023 Page 1 of 1 Subject: New Nationwide Airtanker Base Frequency. Area of Concern: Aviation Operations. Distribution: All Fire and Fire Aviation Operations Discussion: The FAA Spectrum Engineering Office has reassigned many radio frequencies including those used to support some wildland fire operations. As a result all Airtanker Base (ATB) frequencies will be reassigned. The new frequency will be published in the NWCG Airtanker Base Directory, PMS 507 which is available by logging in at Fire Enterprise Geospatial Portal. An account is required. Frequencies for aviation facilites are considered sensitive as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It is not to be disseminated without a Lawful Government Purpose. The transition date is scheduled for February 1, 2023. This frequency is to be used for all existing ATBs. Any portable or temporary bases will need to order a separate frequency. Frequency Management has become increasingly challenging due to the number of assignments using frequencies in the aviation bands. There are about 12,500 current assignments. Continental US frequencies are the most challenging to find frequencies for new facilities. Users should be aware that some UNICOM frequencies at facilities may be close to the new nationwide ATB frequency. Bleed over or interference could occur and is considered a hazard/communication issue. This should be reported to your Geographic Area Coordinating Group (GACC) and a SAFECOM filed as soon as possible. For additional questions regarding frequency issues, contact Kim Albracht at 208-830-2333 or kimberly.albracht@usda.gov. /s/ /Keith Raley /s/ Lori Clark Keith Raley Chief, Aviation Safety, Program Evaluation, and Quality Management DOI, Office of Aviation Services Lori Clark Branch Chief - Aviation Safety Management Systems USDA, Forest Service
