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 |
| 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 |
|
| 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