The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport has switched to a new radio frequency.
Airport Manager Dean Selby said traffic around the airport has grown causing a need for change in frequencies. Selby said at least five other airports shared the same frequency.
“What happens a lot of times is a pilot comes in, and he starts talking to another aircraft,” Selby said. “Well, come to find out the aircraft is 80 miles from here. He is looking for him and he is like, ‘Oh, wrong airport.’ This will help cut down on some of that congestion.”
Selby said Upper Cumberland Regional Airport is the only user of the new frequency within 60 miles. Selby said the main radio in the base station runs on a specific frequency, so a replacement will be needed. Another piece of technology that pilots use to change lighting at the airport while landing will also need updates.
“That one is a fairly simple upgrade,” Selby said. “It just takes them a day to change the crystals and reteam it. So, it will not be too labor intensive or costly to do that one. It is just the one main radio that we talk to them on is the one that cost a little bit more.”
The Federal Aviation Administration approved the change. Then, the frequency went to the Federal Communication Commission for licensing and approval. Selby said the new frequency will be operational in early October.
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