Ordinary FM radio to listen to air communication.

No.. most if not all civil voice communications is NOT digital, but analog.

Its ALSO "AM". Even though you are in the 108-135 mHz band, adjacent to
the "good times radio" band... you are trying to listen to an "amplitude
modulated" signal with a "frequency modulated" reciever. If you want to
listen to aviation chatter, just part with the $$ (or pounds) and get an
aviation band scanner. It should cost no more than 2 hours worth of
flight instruction if US prices are any indication.

Dave

Lukasz W wrote:
Hi all!
As a non-native english speaker learning to fly in UK, I found that the
most challenging part of flying lessons is talking with controllers and
understanding what other pilot say. To get some practice I got ordinary,
20-bucks FM radio changed so I could receive frequency up to 135 MHz.
London Heathrow approach is (probably) 130.25, but despite living
nearby, I can't receive it. Is the radio too weak or I'm missing
something? Some guy said air communication is digital, but somehow I
don't believe it. Or maybe you guys have some other hints for me?
Thanks,

Lukasz

"Dave S" wrote in message
ink.net...
No.. most if not all civil voice communications is NOT digital, but
analog.

Its ALSO "AM". Even though you are in the 108-135 mHz band, adjacent to
the "good times radio" band... you are trying to listen to an "amplitude
modulated" signal with a "frequency modulated" reciever. If you want to
listen to aviation chatter, just part with the $$ (or pounds) and get an
aviation band scanner. It should cost no more than 2 hours worth of
flight instruction if US prices are any indication.

On the grounds of OSH, I can consistently get (I ASSume) a Chicago center
transmitter on my regular FM radio, most likely the OSH VOR relay. Must be
a harmonic, or something.
--
Jim in NC