The numbers 123.450

[CrayonBox]

Is the 123.450 numbers channel meant to be used for pilot to pilot discussion/chit chat?

 

If not what should be used?

 

 

[cherk]

Is the 123.450 numbers channel meant to be used for pilot to pilot discussion/chit chat?If not what should be used?

Yes,indeedee

 

 

[crashley]

The frequencies published on charts are for operational purposes only. They are not a means of social contact. If you need to pass non-operational information to another pilot, use 123.45.

 

copied from http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/fsa/2004/apr/30.pdf

 

 

[frank marriott]

If you want to talk crap fit a CB

 

 

[Ryanm]

Don't use 121.5 (Guard) for chatting to mates! 123.45 is marked on charts for aircraft operating oceanic.

 

 

[djpacro]

Per http://www.recreationalflying.com/tutorials/comms/licence.html#specific_freqs

 

Inter-pilot air-to-air communication frequencies en routeInterpilot air-to-air communications can be conducted on frequency 123.45 MHz.

When aircraft are operating in remote areas out of range of VHF ground stations, then 123.45 MHz is the regional air-to-air channel.

 

Communications between aircraft on 123.45 MHz are restricted to the exchange of information relating to aircraft operations and only the proper call-signs may be used.

[Ignition]

http://legacy.icao.int/anb/panels/acp/wg/f/wgfdoc9718_1/rfsg_wp03 annex 10 vol v chapter 4 vhf com.docx

 

ICAO CHAPTER 4. UTILIZATION OF FREQUENCIES ABOVE 30 MHz - Annex 10 - Volume V - Aeronautical Telecommunications

4.1.3.2 Air-to-air communications channel

 

4.1.3.2.1 An air-to-air VHF communications channel on the frequency of 123.45 MHz shall be designated to enable aircraft engaged in flights over remote and oceanic areas out of range of VHF ground stations to exchange necessary operational information and to facilitate the resolution of operational problems.

 

Note.— Use of the air-to-air channel can cause interference to and from aircraft using the same frequency for air-ground communications.

 

4.1.3.2.2 In remote and oceanic areas out of range of VHF ground stations, the air-to-air VHF communications channel on the frequency 123.45 MHz shall be available only with the characteristics as contained in Annex 10, Volume III, Part II, Chapter 2.

http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/current/aip/general.pdf

 

AIP GEN 3.4-43.1.5 Interpilot Air-to-Air Communication. In accordance with regional agreements, 123.45MHZ is designated as the air-to-air VHF communications channel. Use of this channel will enable aircraft engaged in flights over remote and oceanic areas out of range of VHF ground stations to exchange necessary operational information and to facilitate the resolution of operational problems.

http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/current/ersa/GUID_ersa-fac-2-12_15-Nov-2012.pdf

 

ERSA NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATIONS NAV/COMM-1

4. AIR-TO-AIR COMMUNICATIONS - CIVIL

 

4.1 Interpilot air-to-air communications in Australian FIRs may be conducted on frequency 123.45MHZ. Communications between aircraft on this frequency are restricted to the exchange of information relating to aircraft operations. Communications are to be established by either a directed call to a specific aircraft or a general call, taking into account conditions pertaining to the use of the particular channel. As target aircraft may be guarding more than one frequency, the initial call should include the distinctive channel identification "INTERPILOT" or identification of the air-to-air frequency.

Edit: Highlighted the most important bits in red.

 

 

[CrayonBox]

Thank you. So the answers are, no and none.

 

 

[rdarby]

Don't chat, fly.

 

There have been cases where ATC or other aircraft are trying to contact pilots but they are on 123.45 and not monitoring the Area frequency. It's easy to get focussed on the chat and loose situational awareness.

 

 

[poteroo]

We use 'the numbers' for all our RV formation training, with the formation leader running CTAF, or MEL CEN, on his COM-2. Works well. From time to time we hear chatter between RAAus aircraft but it has always been reasonably 'operational' I don't believe 123.45 is being misused in the SW sector, but couldn't vouch for elsewhere. happy days,

 

 

[djpacro]

Aerobatic contest used to be on at Easter and I used to be entertained by Jabirurers chatting about their girlfriends on the way.

 

 

[Guernsey]

Aerobatic contest used to be on at Easter and I used to be entertained by Jabirurers chatting about their girlfriends on the way.

They were probably all members of the Mile High Club so their transmissions would have been aviation related. One two three four five....your turn.

 

Alan.