Aeronautical Communications

The aeronautical radio service is used for communication between ground and airplanes. It is also used for communication between airplanes.

Normally, the transmissions are in plain voice, using amplitude modulation. They take place in the VHF-range from 118 MHz to 137 MHz. There is room for 720 channels with a spacing of 25 kHz. In order to better use the available frequencies, a transition to only 8.33 kHz bandwidth is taking place.

Signals in the VHF-range propagate similarly to the light. Thus, communication between aircraft and groundstations at airports or air traffic control centres is hardly a problem. However, on long distance flights across the oceans, it is necessary to change to shortwave or satellite communication.

Meteorological information for airplanes (VOLMET) is also broadcast on shortwaves.

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