Microlight » Flight Radio » Practices and Rules

UNICOM — Universal Communications

UNICOM is an air/ground communications facility that provides an information service at certain unattended aerodromes.

UNICOM:

• is not an Air Traffic Service (ATS);
• operates at aerodromes where there is no aerodrome control or Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS);
• may provide traffic and weather information; and
• does not issue ATC clearances or instructions.

UNICOM services are currently provided at:

• Ardmore Aerodrome; and
• Whanganui Aerodrome.

Frequency 119.1 MHz

119.1 MHz is used at unattended aerodromes that do not have another designated frequency.

When using 119.1 MHz:

• use it when operating within approximately 10 NM of the appropriate unattended aerodrome;
• use it for relevant aerodrome traffic communications;
• do not use it unnecessarily outside the aerodrome area.

119.1 MHz is not a general chat or cross-country frequency.

Using it unnecessarily may interfere with important joining and circuit communications at other aerodromes using the same frequency.

ATC Light Signals

If radio communication is unavailable, ATC may use light signals to issue clearances or instructions to an aircraft.

Readability Scale

When carrying out a radio check, the strength and clarity of the transmission is reported using a scale from 1 to 5.