Hearing planes from distant airports

[profiledescent]

What does the handbook say, bad practice to drop the 5 or is it approved phraseology? I've never asked our controllers here in Canada but now that you mention it I'm going to.

Bob

FAA handbook is to drop the 3rd digit. "Delta three sixty five contact Denver Center (125.025) one two five point zero two".

I see in UK where they have 8.33kz spacing, they add the word "Channel" to the 8.33 freqs. That was apparently to give the pilots a heads up that it's an 8.33 coming their way.

We should have gone 8.33 in the US years ago. FAA gripes about freq congestion, but doesn't adopt the obvious answer. At least, implement it in the high altitude sectors.

 

[BM82557]

If you can see it you can hear it. The higher the plane the farther you can see it. Line of sight distance or reception range (nautical miles) taking into account the curvature of the earth is equal to 1.23 times the square root of the altitude (feet).

Altitude (feet) = reception distance (nautical miles)

5000 = 86nm
10000 = 123nm
15000 = 150nm
20000 = 173nm
25000 = 194nm
30000 = 213nm
35000 = 230nm
40000 = 246nm
45000 = 260nm

1 nautical mile = 1.15 statute miles

In my experience you have to have very good equipment and an antenna above and clear of all obstacles to be able to receive out to that maximum theoretical distance. Anything blocking the signal, hill, trees, walls will degrade reception range significantly. Even with an antenna in the clear and a standard scanner you probably won't get much better than 85% of the maximum distance above.

If you are interested I can attach a map showing all the high altitude sectors and frequencies with range rings around your location for reference.

Airscan, do you have a high altitude sectors/freqs map for the Mid-Atlantic? I am located near Martinsburg WV.

 

[nd5y]

I see in UK where they have 8.33kz spacing, they add the word "Channel" to the 8.33 freqs. That was apparently to give the pilots a heads up that it's an 8.33 coming their way.

I had a document that explained that. They use "channels" because the the displayed frequencies can be rounded up or down from the actual frequency.

 

[AirScan]

BM82557,

Airscan, do you have a high altitude sectors/freqs map for the Mid-Atlantic? I am located near Martinsburg WV.

Here you go (.pdf file attached below). All I ask in return is that if you notice any frequency changes can you let me know so I can keep the charts updated.

I've confirmed all frequencies from recent monitoring. Cleveland and Indianapolis sector boundary and numbers are slightly dated. Any feedback on accuracy appreciated.

 

[philacop]

Low sector chart

Hi
Does anyone have the low altitude sector boundary chart with frequencies for the kphl area or New York, Boston or Washington center charts with sector boundaries ?
Thanks much !

 

[BM82557]

BM82557,



Here you go (.pdf file attached below). All I ask in return is that if you notice any frequency changes can you let me know so I can keep the charts updated.

I've confirmed all frequencies from recent monitoring. Cleveland and Indianapolis sector boundary and numbers are slightly dated. Any feedback on accuracy appreciated.

Thanks, I'll let you know if anything has changed.