Question About Newark Airport

[lindenscanner]

I have entered all of the frequencies for Newark Airport that are listed on RR. I have no problems hearing the pilots communicating with the Tower or on the Approach/Departure frequencies but I never hear any communications from the ground to the pilot. Does anyone happen to know why?

 

[johnyvico]

yes , 1 how far are you from the tower as you move father away from the tower you will lose reception . when i listen the kphl wich is philly airport as i move about a 4 miles away i start losing the tower , you will hear the pilots because they are in the air and moving towards the airport , does that make better sence to you , it also depends on the antenna you are using , i have three differnt ones . it does make a big differnce

 

[kb2vxa]

You'll only hear the tower and "ground" when in close proximity to the airport. 10W into a unity gain antenna won't go far over average terrain and obstructions but line of sight at altitude leaves a mighty big footprint. For example the space station uses only 5W and covers half the continent but hearing local hams communicating with it is another matter.

 

[lindenscanner]

Thanks for the info. Linden is less than 10 miles from airport. I have Pro-95 with just the regular antenna it came with. I guess it makes sense why I can't hear the ground although I can hear police and fire from much farther away. Must have to do with the fact that airports use AM frequency?

 

[n2nov]

No, it's because the VHF aircraft band is simplex use and not using high powered repeaters. The difference of AM vs FM modes does not count much in this case.