Aircraft Contacts (QSLs)

[c_b_mazur]

I haven't seen much discussion about making contacts with aircrafts, however I have seen a few QSL cards from some 747's and other aircrafts. What is the process? how does one find these contacts or are they special events? I kind of want to make some unique contacts, and maybe get my kids into the hobby.

 

[UTE-GE]

I think its a special event type of thing. I remember about 5 or so yrs ago, some people were flying around making contacts on 2m? I heard them a few times, was interesting. That's the only time I have come across it. I'm sure there is a source for info somewhere.

I stand corrected. Seems its not just Special events....

Reddit - Aeronautical Mobile contact on 20m

 

[RaleighGuy]

I haven't seen much discussion about making contacts with aircrafts, however I have seen a few QSL cards from some 747's and other aircrafts. What is the process? how does one find these contacts or are they special events? I kind of want to make some unique contacts, and maybe get my kids into the hobby.

Check this OLD thread

Asking airports for QSL cards

I know that some of the VOLMET channels (aviation weather) will send out a QSL but how about ATC chatter? I have been able to catch some local ATIS broadcasts from nearby airports but wasn't to sure about ATC communications.

forums.radioreference.com

 

[AK9R]

I know people who monitor 146.520 MHz almost continuously. They occasionally comment about contacting someone who is flying over the area.

Usually, once someone throws out their callsign and "aeronautical mobile", they get bombarded with responses. Having a 5,000, 10,000, or 30,000 foot antenna support makes for a big footprint.

 

[GlobalNorth]

Weird.
Arizona has tons of GA [general aviation], flight schools, etc. and I've never heard any flight related traffic on 146.52. Just a local nut who narrates traffic reports in his neighborhood.

 

[N9JIG]

The former owner of AES Electronics (a defunct chain of ham radio stores, some of which were bought out by HRO) used to have a Beechcraft Starship and would often make contacts on 146.520 while flying it.

I had a chance to see it in person at Palwaukee Airport once, it had a unique sound to it! I did hear him on the air a couple times but never worked it.

 

[KJ4DHF]

I have made several qso's with XXXX/AM on ssb over the years on 20M. Aeronautical mobile, 1 or 2 over continental US the rest were way out over pond.

 

[N9JCQ]

The former owner of AES Electronics (a defunct chain of ham radio stores, some of which were bought out by HRO) used to have a Beechcraft Starship and would often make contacts on 146.520 while flying it.

I had a chance to see it in person at Palwaukee Airport once, it had a unique sound to it! I did hear him on the air a couple times but never worked it.

I believe I still have my QSL documentation from him as well. As I recall it was more elaborate than just a QSL card. Had details regarding the Starship too.

 

[RichardKramer]

I made a contact with a ham in a Cessna flying from Reading Pa to well past Harrisburg Pa on 146.520 last month from my mobile.
146.520 is the best freq for contact with a ham flying.
Several years ago at the WWII show in Reading; talked to a guy with a WWII aircraft asked if I was a ham since I had a scanner and a ham ht on my belt. He was a ham and said they would be leaving soon and he'd like to talk on 2mtr on the way to Harrisburg.
We picked 146.565 simplex and talked to him on approach into Harrisburg Intl with my 5 watt Yaesu FT-60 ht. Really cool!!!

 

[immelmen]

I fly for an airline. When things are slow and whoever I'm flying with sucks to talk to, I'll put the HF on 20M (our HF radios don't have LSB) and throw out my call/aeromobile....Usually only really have time to do it when over the western US on a transcon, especially red-eyes. Can't do it over water as we have to have the HF on Airinc for a possible SELCAL. My antenna is 6 miles tall so it can get crowded quick!

 

[dlwtrunked]

Weird.
Arizona has tons of GA [general aviation], flight schools, etc. and I've never heard any flight related traffic on 146.52. Just a local nut who narrates traffic reports in his neighborhood.

I have talked to both commercial and private pilots on simplex and local repeaters several times here in Virginia.