Aircraft and Radios: A Question

[Xyn_Air]

From what I have read and seen, I gather that once upon a time in aviation it was not uncommon for aircraft to radio one another to ask questions about local conditions and exchange information.  Of course, with the significant increases in technology that allow aircraft to remain in contact with control centers just about anywhere in the world they may be flying, there would probably be less of a need to contact another pilot or flight crew for relevant information.  Also, with the greater amount of air traffic these days, everyone "chatting" on the radios to each other would probably dangerously clutter communications.

However, I was wondering if there are instances where crews of different, nearby aircraft still communicate directly to one another.  I know that at an uncontrolled airport (one without ATC), pilots will radio to traffic in general to inform them of intentions, such as when taking off and landing.  But, are there other regular instances where pilots or flight crews are in communication with one another?

Just curious,
~Darrin

[expat]

From what I have read and seen, I gather that once upon a time in aviation it was not uncommon for aircraft to radio one another to ask questions about local conditions and exchange information.  Of course, with the significant increases in technology that allow aircraft to remain in contact with control centers just about anywhere in the world they may be flying, there would probably be less of a need to contact another pilot or flight crew for relevant information.  Also, with the greater amount of air traffic these days, everyone "chatting" on the radios to each other would probably dangerously clutter communications.

However, I was wondering if there are instances where crews of different, nearby aircraft still communicate directly to one another.  I know that at an uncontrolled airport (one without ATC), pilots will radio to traffic in general to inform them of intentions, such as when taking off and landing.  But, are there other regular instances where pilots or flight crews are in communication with one another?

Just curious,
~Darrin

I work for an airline and I know our crews talk to each other in the air if they happen to pass each other. Stands to reason, better to know about a potential delay at your destination airport than have the surprise of an hour wait on a taxi way for example.

Matt

[Brett_Henderson]

I can only speak for GA. I can't remember if it's a designated, air-to-air frequency, but we use 123.45 when we take group trips, or fly in formation.

Also, with the greater amount of air traffic these days, everyone "chatting" on the radios to each other would probably dangerously clutter communications.

Clutter isn't a problem until Billy Bob and Sally Sue, decide to talk about what happened in church that morning on CTAF/UNICOM. That's annoying and unsafe, especially on nice weekends when everyone is out flying and several small fields use 122.8 and 122.7.  

[expat]

I can only speak for GA. I can't remember if it's a designated, air-to-air frequency, but we use 123.45 when we take group trips, or fly in formation.

Also, with the greater amount of air traffic these days, everyone "chatting" on the radios to each other would probably dangerously clutter communications.

Clutter isn't a problem until Billy Bob and Sally Sue, decide to talk about what happened in church that morning on CTAF/UNICOM. That's annoying and unsafe, especially on nice weekends when everyone is out flying and several small fields use 122.8 and 122.7.  

A quick and anonymous "hey,Billy Bob and Sally Sue, clear the airwaves you ignorant self centered whatnots, there are other frequencies for your prattle", should sent the message home. It would not be the first time I have ever heard that sort of thing over the air.

Matt

[Xyn_Air]

I can only speak for GA. I can't remember if it's a designated, air-to-air frequency, but we use 123.45 when we take group trips, or fly in formation.

Also, with the greater amount of air traffic these days, everyone "chatting" on the radios to each other would probably dangerously clutter communications.

Clutter isn't a problem until Billy Bob and Sally Sue, decide to talk about what happened in church that morning on CTAF/UNICOM. That's annoying and unsafe, especially on nice weekends when everyone is out flying and several small fields use 122.8 and 122.7.  

A quick and anonymous "hey,Billy Bob and Sally Sue, clear the airwaves you ignorant self centered whatnots, there are other frequencies for your prattle", should sent the message home. It would not be the first time I have ever heard that sort of thing over the air.

Matt

Thanks for the informative and interesting replies, everyone!

You know, I never even really thought about 'group flights'.  So, are there frequencies appropriate to the chatter that might be had in a group flight of Billy Bob's and Sally Sue's that might want to be socializing with one another even though not in the same aircraft?

Learning more and more every day,
~Darrin

[beaky]

A good topic!
As relates to weather, a substitute for broadcasting  hoping to reach an aircraft ahead of you is to call Flight Watch. This is the radio "wing" of the FAA's Flight Service Stations. There's not always a FW outlet within range, but when there is, you can ask for an advisory for an area fairly close by. Just like the pre-flight weather info, these advisories are sometimes based on reports from other pilots- which is the other function of Flight Watch: receiving pilot reports, or PIREPs, from pilots in the air. There's a format for these reports to keep the chatter to a minimum and cover all the necessary info (altitude and position, type, OAT, winds, clouds,precip, turbulence), and as a general rule I never give a PIREP if conditions are the same as forecast.

As for 123.45: very useful, but watch out: last time I used it I was flying in a very loose, somewhat impromptu formation with a friend- he was leading in a faster plane, and we were chatting quite a bit as I tried to locate him initially  and get closer... well, it turns out that there was another formation flight somewhere within range, probably a photo shoot, and one of the guys had the same name as I do... they got a little confused.

I guess there really is a good reason to use corny flight names  for these situations ("Badger Flight Leader; Badger Flight Wing")


It's also very tempting to just chit-chat on that freq, but it's best to keep it short.

[freedomhays]

[quote]A good topic!
As relates to weather, a substitute for broadcasting

[Mobius]

The Friday before AirVenture I was flying, and the UNICOM and CTAF frequencies were all clogged up with everybody and their brother flying through the area.  Climbing made the frequency just the constant sound of people stepping on each others transmissions.  A few people were trying to have conversations with each other, and other people trying to use that frequency would get mad and actually yell at them on the frequency.

"Badger Flight Leader; Badger Flight Wing"

Might not want to do that around here, that's the call sign of the 115th FW F-16's out of Madison.

[beaky]

"Badger Flight Leader; Badger Flight Wing"

Might not want to do that around here, that's the call sign of the 115th FW F-16's out of Madison.

 :D  :D

[Jared]

well Badger!

[DaveSims]

We use 123.45, or as we call it fingers, or 122.75 for airplane to airplane communication.  We usually only use those frequencies for drawn out conversations or formation flights.  If we are just looking for a little information, the local CTAF (122.7, 122.8, or 123.0 are the most common) is usually acceptable.

[C]

F
However, I was wondering if there are instances where crews of different, nearby aircraft still communicate directly to one another.

Apart from flying in a formation, and the odd "whoops" or "Doh!" call when people transmit on the wrong frequency etc, I can think of only one time where I've communicated directly with other aircraft. That was on a marginal VFR day, when I'd managed to find a gap (topically, avoiding having to Scud run - just). The other aircraft's pilots were IR'd on type, and had done SIDs. There problem was then when they were still IMC at the end of the SID, they didn't know the geographic location of said VFR gap. By the time I'd communicated it, it was time to go home though!