jim
lvl.1
Offline
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Don't forget you have a registration number for your machine, correct? That's the number you would give ATC when speaking with them. I've flown test flown ultralights at towered airports. An ultralight is not considered an aircraft by the FAA, hence they have no N numbers. All other aircraft have right of way over an ultralight, and I always would call the controller via phone and work it out ahead of time with time.
Fyi, any airport with a operating control tower is considered to be ATC. Smaller airports that do not have a control tower use a frequency (assigned for THAT airport) called CTAF, which stands for Common Traffic Advisory Frequency. All pilots within that airspace use that frequency to announce their intentions, though it is NOT required. Basically its like pilots talking over a CB radio. Information about these airports is available in a book called an AFD, which stands for Airport Facility Directory. Info can be found online too, one I use is called AIRNAV.com
Handheld coms can have a longer range, IF you install a aircraft antenna. In general though, most hand held coms are about 4-5 watts transmit power, whereas panel mounted aircraft coms are in the 10 watt range. Altitude is key when transmitting - between a hand held com and aircraft overhead, you will hear the aircraft much more clearly then they will hear you. |
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