Flying in company - frequency?

[Mark1234]

Half (OK, fully) expecting to get shot at for asking this - planning on doing a trip with a couple of planes in company (NOT formation), both equipped with dual coms (So I'll still be montioring all the correct en-route frequencies)

Is there an appropriate / assigned frequency for inter-plane messages? I've not found anything relevant appropriate.

Cheers.

[Islander Jock]

I think 123.45 the interpilot freq would be most appropriate.

[Mark1234]

Sounds like it.. let me guess, it's in the AIP?

Why can I never find anything in there :ugh:

Thanks!

[nick2007]

It's also written somewhere towards the back of the ERSA (NAV/COMM page 2, part 4)

Though it's meant to be 'restricted to communications of an operational nature only', as far as I know, people use it for an occasional chat.

Anyone know of any other frequencies available?

[Mark1234]

I was thinking along the lines of 'where have you got to/don't like the look of the weather that way/shall we land at such-and-such' I guess that's 'of an operational nature' rather than 'making any progress with the girl at the coffee shop'!!

[bentleg]

123.45 is the frequency for inter-plane chat

[VH-FTS]

Why not use 121.5? The jet pilots seem to think it is ok :hmm:.

[Mark1234]

Uh-oh.... somebody lock this - quick :D

[pill]

123.45 is the oceanic air to air freq. If your near the coast and at altitude, you might have someone ask you to try another frequency. oceanic = longhaul = tired = not real interested in listening to you blokes rabit on.

[cogwheel]

Many aero clubs use 119.1 as both a base and air to air. I think you will find it is not otherwise allocated. You will have a significant audience on 123.45 remember!

There are a number of other "un-allocated" frequencies that one might use, but if you do, make sure that whatever frequency you decide on, DO NOT mention the frequency you are going to use on another frequency, as it wont be "private" any more!! Just say "go company" or somesuch. Safe flying.

:ok:

[Howard Hughes]

oceanic = longhaul = tired = not real interested in listening to you blokes rabit on.
Well TURN IT OFF!

No requirement to monitor 123.45...:rolleyes:

[John Eacott]

The Numbers (123.45) is the unofficial chat channel.

The ICAO designated aircraft to aircraft frequency is 122.75.

The approved helicopter to helicopter frequency is 123.025.

[Capt Wally]

VH-FTS you took the words right out of my mouth !:D

JE why would us plank fliers want to listen to 'woka woka woka' all day long !:E


CW

[John Eacott]

Wally,

Much the same reason that we would want to listen to planks having to run up and down runways to get airborne :p

You can have 122.75, we'll keep schtum on 123.025 :ok:

[pig dog]

If I remember correctly (it has been a long time since I used this freq) 119.1 is the CTAF at SWH as well as a couple of other CTAF's in country Vic. Might want to try another freq.

[triadic]

It is the CTAF at SWH because the aero club used it before it was a CTAF and the good old CFI of the day put his hand up and now it is the CTAF freq. A few others did the same, but on a national basis, I don't think it is a problem. Other aeroclubs still use it for chat even if it is not the CTAF freq. You will soon find out if the freq u choose is being used:uhoh:

[Zap Brannigan]

119.1 is also the frequency for Mobil at YSBK.

[VH-XXX]

You can definitively use 123.45 and 120.85.

120.85 = Aviation Sport Channel.

If you are clever and have the right radios you could dial up 123.475 and you won't hear from anyone else.

[Tankengine]

John Eacott,
ICAO can do what it likes but 122.75 is MEL CTR for a large part of NSW!!:ugh:

[Towering Q]

Mark1234, why don't you and your buddies make up your own frequency?

Just make sure it's not one already in use, ie..Centre, CTAF, Flightwatch etc.

[Mark1234]

Crikey. Didn't expect such a response.

Think I'll steer clear of 122.75; not so worried about YSBK mobil - long way from here. Making up our own frequency, excellent plan - it's making sure nobody else is using it for a valid purpose that's the problem!

Plenty to be getting on with in any case.. thanks :)

[Monopole]

Centre, CTAF, Flightwatch etc
Why not? They're not using it......

[Biggles_in_Oz]

If you're trying to find an 'unused' VHF frequency go to
http://web.acma.gov.au/pls/radcom/register_search.main_page
where you can do a frequency search which tells you who has what chunk(s) of the electromagnetic spectrum in Oz.
Then you merge that with what all the 'class' licences allow.

Go to
http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_286
which will then take you to
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/comlaw/legislation/LegislativeInstrument1.nsf/0/A46873B7EB7B69D6CA2571DF00046478?OpenDocument
where there is a list of allowed aviation frequencies within Oz

paraphrased
119.1 ; aero club operations, flying school operations and firespotting
119.2 ; Parachute club operations
120.4 ; Helicopter air to air communications only
120.8 ; Helicoper ground to air and air to ground communications
120.85 ; Aviation sport
121.5 ; Emergency location
122.5 ; Glider or sailplane operations
122.7 ; Glider or sailplane operations
122.9 ; Glider or sailplane operations
122.8 ; Fishing operations or mustering
123.1 ; SAR
123.2 ; SAR
123.45 ; Pilot to pilot communications
126.4 ; Charter purposes
126.35 ; TIBA traffic below FL200
127.9 ; Air show
128.9 ; Charter purposes
128.95 ; TIBA traffic above FL200
129.1 ; Aircraft industry testing
129.6 ; Crop dusting
129.9 ; Aerodrome operations
135.55 ; Charter purposes
135.95 ; Charter purposes above 20000'


With regard to 123.45 MHz, it isn't allocated to a specific entity, but it does appear in the Aviation class licence (see above).

Seems that 123.45 is also used over oceanic areas when beyond VHF range of ground stations (as Pill said)
http://www.faa.gov/ATs/aat/ifim/ifim0111.htm