Landing Frequency (USA Pilots)

On Aug 12, 7:30*pm, Westbender wrote:
On Aug 12, 4:08*pm, "noel.wade" wrote:



All -

How many of you in the USA use the same frequency when flying cross-
country as in the traffic-pattern?
(i.e. you _don't_ switch frequencies when you're returning to the
airport and preparing to land)

As an alternate way to ask the same question: *How many soaring sites
have you been to, where they didn't have a separate frequency for
landing traffic?

[this may seem like an odd question, but I have a good reason for
asking]

Thanks,

--Noel

Outside of departure and arrival, I only dial into the "home"
frequency when I'm in the vicinity (maybe a 5 mile radius). Away from
home (and other airfields), I generally monitor 123.3. If I pass by
other airports close enough, I'll dial in the frequency and announce
my presence. Although only if I'm a bit low.

Our club site uses 123.3 for local operations. When several pilots
are out on XC they often switch to 123.5 for conversation.

In the local area many GA training aircraft are using 122.75 to give
position reports in the practice areas. I often switch over to listen
to position reports and to give one myself.

We are also just outside a Class D airspace and when we overfly or
come in close we contact them too.

On the very rare days when we are able to fly higher and further I
talk to the local approach control if I am approaching any victor
airways, or instrument approach courses.

It can get quite busy when the radio doesn't have a standby function!

Just a note: I teach in the area for both power and glider students.
I'm very familiar with all the local frequencies as well as the area
in general. If I was at some location with less familiarity I would
probably be less inclined to try to do all that radio switching. Only
the basic Unicom or tower and what ever common frequency the local
gliders were using.