CAP 1606 – 8.33 kHz Sporting Frequencies

CAP 1606: 8.33 kHz voice channel spacing in the UK: Common sporting and recreational assignments including Safetycom

During 2018 most UK VHF assignments were converted to 8.33 kHz voice channel spacing.  From the 3rd January 2019 the CAA will be converting all common sporting assignments in the UK to 8.33kHz. This includes Safetycom.

After the conversion, all assignments will utilise 8.33kHz channel numbers, changing the way common assignments are displayed and spoken.  This document outlines the new channel references that must be used after the 3rd January 2019 (AIRAC 01/2019).  It is imperative that the correct assignments are used past this date by all users to ensure interoperability.

New channel references are highlighted in the table below.

Please ensure the correct channel references are utilised, displayed and spoken after the 3rd January 2019.

Common Assignments converting in the UK from the 3rd January 2019

Old 25kHz frequency

(MHz)

New

8.33kHz channel

Primary Use Secondary Use Further Information
118.675 118.680 Hang glider Para glider § UK Mobile within UK FIR
122.475 122.480 Ballooning § UK Mobile within UK FIR
122.950 122.955 Depcom § Refer to UK AIP GEN 3.4
129.825 129.830 Micro light § Site specific for busy airfields
129.900 129.905 Gliding Parachute (AC)

Hang glider

§ UK Mobile within UK FIR

§ Refer to BGA Guidance or

BPA Radio Station Operators

Guide

129.975 129.980 Gliding (CGFF) § Site specific for busy airfields

§ Refer to BGA guidance

Issue 3 | October 2018   Page 1 CAP 1606          8.33 kHz voice channel spacing in the UK: Common sporting and recreational assignments including Safetycom

130.100 130.105 Gliding § UK Mobile within UK FIR

§ Refer to BGA guidance

130.125 130.130 Gliding § UK Mobile within UK FIR
130.400 130.405 Gliding § Refer to BGA Guidance
130.525 130.530 Parachute(DZ) § UK Mobile within UK FIR

§ Refer to BPA Radio Station

Operators Guide

135.475 135.480 Safetycom § Refer to UK AIP GEN 3.4, CAP 413 or AIC Yellow

014/2010

 

Aeronautical radio station operators, WT Act Licensees and aircraft stations flight crew are responsible for ensuring they use correct radio telephony procedures and discipline so that these assignments are shared in a reasonable manner between all users.

Please note that the usage requirements do not alleviate in any way the requirement for everyone using Aeronautical equipment either on-board an aircraft or in a ground station from having an Aircraft or Transportable Radio Licence, or an Aeronautical Ground Station Licence respectively.

Further information is available from the Ofcom website, CAA radio licensing pages or through the representing organisation. www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Aircraft-ownership-and-maintenance/8-33-kHz-radios/

Common Assignments remaining on 25kHz spacing

Please note the following assignments will remain on 25 kHz VCS permanently in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation No 1079/2012:

Assignment (MHz) Use Notes
121.500 Emergency Frequency See IR 1079/2012 Article 2, 4(a)(i)
121.600 Fire Exempted within UK FIR up to

31/12/2025

123.100 SAR Auxiliary Frequency See IR1079/2012 Article 2, 4(a)(ii)
122.100 NATO Combined Frequency See IR1079/2012 Preamble (15)

 

Issue 3 | October 2018                                                                                                                                      Page 2