123.45

[KC-10 Driver]

Here is one of my pet peeves -- I don't have many, but this is one of them.

Whenever I tune in 123.45 (the ICAO-designated operational interplane frequency for oceanic traffic), and I'm within a couple of hundred miles of the U.S. coast, I hear constant chatter from non-oceanic operators on the freq.

Perhaps there are aviators who do not realize that this is an assigned frequency. Some pilots use that frequency to chat simply because it is an easy frequency to remember?

It is annoying and distracting to have to listen to Bubba and Chet talk about which barbecue joint near the FBO has the best ribs, and who's going to get there first after landing.

Just a random insomnial thought.

 

[avbug]

It's been called the idiot frequency for many moons, and many decades.

In times past, defense projects and expensive activities have been compromised or delayed because this, and other frequencies have been used improperly by pilots.

Then again, I hear the same thing on occasion on 121.5. Is nothing sacred? At least if folks are going to tie up the frequency, it should be like the Scotland couple, engaged in graphic, illicit activities with a stuck mic. After all, share the wealth.

 

[AA717driver]

I thought we got a notam a few years ago that some drone operator(NO, not AA! ) reserved 123.45 for their ops and we shouldn't chat on it anymore.

I thought 131.8 was the inflight NAT info freq.(NO, not the AA, DAL, UAL let's talk about how big my boat is freq. ). But I've been out of the "crossing" business for a few years.TC

 

[KC-10 Driver]

Again, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

It used to be 131.8 for the NATs, and 123.45 for the WATRS and Caribbean area.

Then about two or three years ago, they changed it to 123.45 for all Atlantic traffic -- and Pacific, too, I believe (although I don't cross the Pacific except once in a blue moon).

 

[FN FAL]

this link takes you to the Electronics Code of Federal Regulations, title 47...

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...8&view=text&node=47:5.0.1.1.2.10.97.3&idno=47

Title 47: Telecommunication
PART 87—AVIATION SERVICES
Subpart J—Flight Test Stations


§ 87.303 Frequencies.
(a) These frequencies are available for assignment to flight test land and aircraft stations:

kHz MHz MHz MHz

3281.0\1\ 123.175\2\ 123.225\3\ 123.400\2\
123.200\3\ 123.375\3\ 123.450\3\

 

[Crizz]

I guess I was always taught 123.45 (otherwise known as "fingers") as well as 122.75 were both air-to-air freqs. I know I am guilty of chatting.

 

[banned username 2]

Again, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

It used to be 131.8 for the NATs, and 123.45 for the WATRS and Caribbean area.

Then about two or three years ago, they changed it to 123.45 for all Atlantic traffic -- and Pacific, too, I believe (although I don't cross the Pacific except once in a blue moon).

You are correct...

 

[FN FAL]

You are correct...

Not according to the FAA frequency allocation he isn't.

 

[FN FAL]

I suppose this guy is wrong as well...

http://www.aerorfi.org/forum/read.php?f=1&i=180&t=167

Re: Who Uses 123.45 MHz.?
Author: John Kemper (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date: 03-21-03 19:03

John,

As you know, I wrote the initial FAA Order 6050.32, Spectrum Management Regulations and Procedures Manual, (as a contractor) in 1984/5 and continue to update it for FAA peridocially, including right now.

In the current update work, I have been given no change in the 118-137 MHz environment for updating the frequency allocation list.

From the allocation (not assignment) charts in FCC and IRAC, I can tell you that 123.325-123.475 is assigned to "Flight Test," as is 123.525-123.575. See 6050.32A, Appendix 2, Page 1. As a founding member of AFTRCC, I can assure you that AFTRCC was the moving force in getting that portion assigned for exclusive discrete frequencies within the FCC allocations, starting in the very early 1960's. It was intended to provide those frequencies to aircraft mgrs (Douglas, Lockheed, Boeing, etc.) to permit A/G communications and telemetry with test aircraft in flight.

I was surprised to see the military assignments listed. Perhaps the military has been auzd to utilize those freqs for the same purpose. But at any rate, 122.700-123.575 is under FCC jurisdiction, so I can't tell you much beyond what I glean from the FCC/IRAC allocation tables.

I certainly am not as conversant with current FCC policy as I am with FAA. But unless the FCC has changed its allocation, any "chatter" use in that band by anyone outside flight test function seems about as illegal as "freeband."

Whenever there is a vacuum (frequency) someone will jump to use it and if no one objects, it just becomes a "channel."

If you, or anyone, has any info indicating a change in FCC allocations in those above bands, I would apprediate the info to check out, as I am now in process of updating 6050.32.


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[UpNDownGuy]

It's official...

123.45 is the worldwide remote oceanic areas frequency. You are correct KC-10 Driver...it is the ICAO designated worldwide freq.

 

[Freddie Spencer]

FN FAL
When was the last time you crossed the pacific?

 

[Diesel]

WAH- Who really cares. Oh by the way you'll hear me talking to my buddies on what restaurant we're going to. Maybe see if Nino can fit us in at 9. The usual stuff.

See you on 123.45

 

[banned username 2]

Re: It's official...

123.45 is the worldwide remote oceanic areas frequency. You are correct KC-10 Driver...it is the ICAO designated worldwide freq.

Whew... I didn't think I was hallucinating... I was just over the North Atlantic 4 days ago... 123.45 it was!