Question about 123.3 MHz

[vontresc]

I have a dumb question about radio frequency assignments, and hopefully one of you radio geeks (Scott) could help me out here.

As I was flying around in my glider last Sunday, listening on 123.3 I kept hearing biz jets calling up Executive Air in Green Bay. Now the AIM (which I know isn't regulatory) says that 123.3 is for "Aviation instruction, Glider, Hot Air Balloon" AIM 4-1-11.

Is 123.3 available as an additional UNICOM frequency?

Also where can I find the FCC regs that govern frequency usage?

thanks

 

[ScottM]

I
Also where can I find the FCC regs that govern frequency usage?

The answer to this one is easy

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=aviation

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_08/47cfr87_08.html

Frequencies: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2008/octqtr/47cfr87.173.htm

subpart k: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2008/octqtr/47cfr87.323.htm

Sec. 87.323 Frequencies.

(a) 121.500 MHz: Emergency and distress only.
(b) The frequencies 121.950, 123.300 and 123.500 MHz are available
for assignment to aviation support stations used for pilot training,
coordination of lighter-than-air aircraft operations, or coordination of
soaring or free ballooning activities. Applicants for 121.950 MHz must
coordinate their proposal with the appropriate FAA Regional Spectrum
Management Office. The application must specify the FAA Region notified
and the date notified. Applicants for aviation support land stations may
request frequency(ies) based upon their eligibility although the
Commission reserves the right to specify the frequency of assignment.
Aviation support mobile stations will be assigned 123.300 and 123.500
MHz. However, aviation support mobile stations must operate only on a
noninterference basis to communications between aircraft and aviation support land stations.

 

[roncachamp]

As I was flying around in my glider last Sunday, listening on 123.3 I kept hearing biz jets calling up Executive Air in Green Bay. Now the AIM (which I know isn't regulatory) says that 123.3 is for "Aviation instruction, Glider, Hot Air Balloon" AIM 4-1-11. Is 123.3 available as an additional UNICOM frequency?

Well, aviation instruction is available at Executive Air.