Aircraft Communications

Pilot's communicate with Air Traffic Control on a Two-Way radio in the VHF frequency spectrum, 118.000 to 135.975 Mhz. In North America the 'channels' are separated by 25 Khz providing 760 communication 'channels'.

Usually aircraft have at least 2 comm radios. Usually the radios are identical to provide the pilot with commonality in operation. The radio is standard simplex operation using the same frequency for both receiving and transmitting.

Most aircraft and helicopters have an intercom system allowing the pilot and copilot to communicate with each other. Some intercoms are hands free with a voice activated intercom, others require the crew members to 'push-to-talk'. The intercom is a critical link in the cabin communication equation. We recommend and install only the best TSO'd intercoms.

Installation Issues

The most variable part of the communication radio installation is the antenna. The antenna is installed in one of the world's harshest environments. The sealing of the antenna to the aircraft skin is critical. Any moisture allowed under the base of the antenna is the first ingredient of corrosion. Corrosion under the antenna first of all goes un-noticed during inspections with obvious structural ramifications, secondly degrades the bonding of the antenna. This bonding is as important as the radiating element. Without a good bond the radiated signal has no reference. Reflected signals are increased reducing the amount of radiated power, and possibly damaging the final stages of the radio transmitter.

Aircraft Navigation

Consisting of:

• VOR (VHF Omni Range)
• ILS (Instrument Landing System)
• ADF (Automatic Direction Finder)
• GPS (Global Positioning System)
• LORAN C (Long Range Navigation 'C').

Our technicians understand that whether IFR or VFR the lives of the flying public depend upon the serviceability of the aircraft navigation system. Our policy is to return the unit under test to the original manufacturer's specifications. We do not take any liberties in design or calibration, or take any short-cuts in calibration procedures. We use only the latest revision of the OEM Component Maintenance Manual, and the recommended, in-calibration, avionics test equipment to service your equipment.

GPS is the latest game in world-wide navigation. We have stepped up to the plate and procured the latest test equipment to support GPS service. With this test equipment we can now test the receiver sensitivity of the GPS receivers. This is unique since the GPS signal levels are below the normal noise floor of the earth's atmosphere. We also have facilities to re-radiate the GPS signals within our shops to test real-time the capabilities of the GPS systems to track all visible SV's (Space Vehicles).