I came across a decidedly un-aircraft like communication on 123.45 today when my SDR was combing through the aircraft band. Are people are using those cheap Beofeng radios to transmit in places they don't belong?
Beofeng pirate on aircraft frequency?
- Thread starter Omega-TI
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GadgetGeek
Member
123.450 MHz is an air to air chit-chat channel.
Unlikely it's from a Baofeng, since the civilian aircraft band is well below their frequency range.
Could be from any number of other radios. 123.45 is sort of like Channel 19 on CB.
ecps92
Member
and the audio clip is "AM" where the CCR's and Turd-Bangs are FM Radios.
So Yup, bingo Air-Air Chit/Chat
Thanks guys. I looked it up and it didn't seem to be a chit chat frequency, that's why I asked. Actually what I found is:
Anyway thanks for clearing it up for me.
Anyway thanks for clearing it up for me.
n2nov
Active Member
Where did you get that chart and how wide is the coverage in frequencies?
ICAO doesn't control the airwaves in the US (thankfully). That authority belongs mostly to the FCC.
CFR 87.303 defines the use of 123.45 as "available for assignment to flight test land and aircraft stations." But pilots have been using it basically as a CB for years.
CFR 87.303 defines the use of 123.45 as "available for assignment to flight test land and aircraft stations." But pilots have been using it basically as a CB for years.
123.45 is a Boeing (et. al) flight test frequency but us airline types have used it for semi operational chit-chat for decades. The Feds (FCC) were hot to catch a callsign and raise hell or violate someone but since they're now all lawyers and accountants they've pretty much gone away. For trans ocean ops, after our last VHF assignment we set #1 comm radio on 121.5 and #2 on 123.45. ICAO finally got the Feds to back off and you'll now see 123.45 authorized for those ops. It's been called "fingers". Listen also on "cheap suit" (129.95) for non authorized BS. Legal BS: 122.75 air/air; 123.3 + 123.5 gliders; 123.025 helos.
@zimmerking I planned to update my aviation favorites since I moved, so I'll add those in as well. Thanks! 
)
)A few years ago when the Thunderbirds were coming to Thunder Over Michigan, I heard them talking total gibberish. Flying thousands of miles a week for airshows probably does get boring compared to their performance expectations.
The frequency is referred to as "fingers" and is almost as much of a dumpster fire as all the idiots meowing on Guard.
There's a guy [the voice sounds male] on the Luke AFB LMR frequency and a few others who quacks.
Then it's a local dumpster fire. Rarely hear anything in either Central Florida or Denver. So, that's good DF practice for you!
We have a ton of VHF air traffic here with both the class bravo KHOU and KIAH as well as many class deltas. Good air listening around here! Not going to complain at all!
N1EXA
FT8 Huntin Mudd Duck on the deep end of the pond !
Sounds like typical Air to Air Conversation Ive Heard. Civialian and Military both do it.
I love when the News Helicopters come down to my area for some news woody broadcast.
Get 3-4 News copters on Unicom and its a party.
Uncontrolled airtports with no tower get some good talk too expecially if there doing Parachuters.
Baofengs are only FM and dont work on the Airband 136 Mhz or lower.
Pete N1EXA
For the last twelve hours and for the next two days I'm leaving the SDS100 on the full database and logging everything with ProScan that comes in. Anything with a fair amount of substantial hits that I DO NOT already have of interest will be added to the new favorites. Letting ProScan do the grunt work sure is liberating!
radionx
Carrying carriers
123.45 is a CB-like for pilots frequency here, it's accepted. Informal chit chat is on it, even our regulator lists it as such.
N1EXA
FT8 Huntin Mudd Duck on the deep end of the pond !
We Had A Tornado Hit A few Towns over from My location. All the News Choppers arrived from Boston So the 2
helicopter Unicom Frequiencies Were Busy !
Great to Have ADS-Exchange on the Phone to track who's who in the Air.
Pete N1EXA
helicopter Unicom Frequiencies Were Busy !
Great to Have ADS-Exchange on the Phone to track who's who in the Air.
Pete N1EXA
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