HF radio check on the ground
 

Good morning everyone

I haven't used HF radioes in a while, our SOP require a check of HF reception, transmission and Selcal check on the ground before departure, it look like that Stockholm Radio has disappeared from my route manual, does anyone know of any other FREE service provider in northern europe?

Thank you

Shanwick Radio?

A google search revealed this!

If it doesn’t work just copy the link,

Try searching for StoRadio, the rebranded Stockholm Radio.

https://storadio.aero/services/

https://storadio.aero/pilots-dispatchers/

In my old mob we used to do a SELCAL check with the en route radio pre take off. It was mandated in NZ.

that’s what I do now, even with satcom backup.

How does ground testing of HF radio square with the directive in the FCOM of not using HF radio while refuelling?

A high energy emission from an aircraft HF radio could be dangerous to an aircraft refuelling nearby on the ramp, even if the aircraft testing its HF radio is not itself refuelling.

Hi frankice,

I highly recommend you download the STORADIO app (do you have a company device to put it on?). When you open it, it will update with the latest propagation forecast so you can quickly find a frequency that’s likely to work. It also contains useful guides etc.

Champ

Uplinker,
HF check took about 5 minutes and we did it when the refueller brought the paperwork up. If all else failed we would do it on taxi. Far from a problem to get your check.

I only ask because if the aircraft next to you on the ramp was refuelling when you tested your HF, there would be pretty much the same risk of fuel vapour explosion as you testing it during your own refuelling.

In the two (UK) long-haul airlines I worked for, we never ground tested HF. We tested it airborne approaching ETOPS airspace, and most aircraft had two HF radios fitted.

Never heard of an aircraft blowing up as a result of a nearby HF check. Standard procedure was once our refuelling was complete, we did a HF check. Before Satcom was readily available, HF was your lifeline.

Does anyone have a North American based HF station for a radio check?

How about a USAF or RCAF location?

Hawk

Look up ARINC San Francisco. There's a phone number you call with your position and they give you a frequency to try out, or send you a SELCAL.

Thanks plhought. Info available here

https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Serv...57210EC96.ashx

Has any aircraft blown itself up doing an HF check while it was refuelling?

Probably not, but Airbus say "HF must not be used during refueling or transfer operation" so I don't. I usually do the HF check when the doors are closing when departing from remote places so I'm not struggling to try and get taxi calls and departure calls heard on the same frequency as Mumbai when taxiing. I've never considered the issue of causing danger to nearby refuelling aircraft as there are not usually any doing so. That said, if it was an issue, then I imagine that it would be prohibited.

Is causing danger to another aircraft on the ramp via an HF call a left over war time hand me down wisdom (like birds and radars) that may have been true once but is now obsolete?

I’ve found HF check on the ground to be rather pointless excercise. In addition to posing a potential fire hazard a functional check on the ground by no means guarantees that SELCAL will work later when needed. And unsatisfactory check means you’ll depart with a known defect or will need to defer it and not be able to use it on the flight as it is unlikely the maintenance would have a spare box hanging around and be able to switch it by departure time.

I know some SOP’s require it but I’d rather skip the ground test and rather rely on previous crews report of it’s functional status.

Have a listen to the RAF volmet. No guarantee that if you receive, it will transmit, but it does prove the unit is powered.

We are not allowed to use our cellphones at petrol stations, and they are much lower power devices.

HF ground testing has probably been safety audited, but just a thought: The distance from your aircraft fin, (where the HF antenna usually is), to your fuel tank vents is not much different to those of the aircraft next door, on some ramps.

WTF? do I assume you would suggest there is no point checking the mags before take off because they may not be serviceable later?
I would suggest if you are operating around the Central Pacific, no HF, no go. So a pre take off HF check is essential. SELCAL however is a luxury.