London Info / Irish Sea
 

I have noticed on a number of occasions that London Info is not accessible in the Holyhead area on the published 124.75 frequency, but that contact can be made on the more northern frequency of 125.47, at least with my ancient radios and at levels up to 5000'.

The other day I was flying right over the place (SW of Holyhead) where on the 1/2 mil map where it is printed "FIS .... 124.75" with no contact (at 3000') . I even asked Dublin if they had an alternate frequency - they didn't. So I tried 125.47 and there it was, loud and clear. I don't think there was anything unusal about the conditions on the day.

Considering that this is a popular route for UK - Ireland GA traffic, should the chart not be changed and neighbouring controllers advised of the alternate frequency? It feels good to be in contact with someone over the sea when Valley are closed.

david viewing

Have not heard of that one before Ill ask around and see if it is a known problem and send you a PM.

Just one thought, you say it is an old aircraft. If you look at your radio I think you might find it is one of the old "oblong" units, 124.75 is now transmitted on a circular signal. 125.47 is square but it seems compatible with your old oblong set!

Thats progress I am afraid - backwards at an ever increasing speed

Safe happy flying:bored:

Swanfis

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. I am sure I have had this problem in other aircraft as well. I expect it's related to a radio shadow caused by Snowdon, unless your transmitters are on top of the mountain. What's peculiar is how the 125.47 signal propagates so well, right through Snowdonia at low level and down to Welshpool.

My radios are KX-170, original fit in the Warrior and ancient in technical terms although still quite common. I doubt if the radiation pattern has much to do with it because the antennas are regular whip affairs.

I expect the phenomenon is completely repeatable, but like most aircraft problems probably wouldn't happen if I went out there specifically to demonstrate it to you!

Maybe someone based at Caernarvon could comment?

David

David

Check your pms

SWANFIS