Introduction; What You Can Expect To Hear - Ramsey Electronics AR2 Instruction Manual

INTRODUCTION TO THE AR2 AVIATION RECEIVER KIT
The Ramsey AR2 Aviation Receiver is a new design of our original Ramsey
AR1 Aircraft Receiver. The AR1 has been built and loved for years by
hobbyists with an interest in both aviation and electronics. The AR2 design
takes the best of the AR1 and adds scanning functions, and a slick metal case
for superior noise reduction. It is characterized by exceptional sensitivity,
image rejection, signal-to-noise ratio and stability. It is designed for casual
"listening in"- on both ground and air communication, for both commercial
airlines and general aviation. The AR2 has been built by folks of all ages and
skill levels, and in less time than it takes to fly solo!
118-136 MHz, WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR
A basic fact about the VHF Aviation Band which even licensed pilots can
overlook or forget is that communications are in the AM mode, not FM, as in
the case of the FM broadcast band immediately below it, and the VHF public
service and ham bands immediately above it.
No matter where you live you will be able to receive at least the airborne side
of many air traffic communications. You'll hear any aircraft you can see, PLUS
planes up to 100 miles away and more, since VHF signals travel "line of
sight." An airliner at 35,000 feet altitude is still line of sight to your antenna.
Similarly, whatever ground stations you may hear are also determined by this
"line of sight" characteristic of VHF communication. If there are no major
obstacles between your antenna and an airport (tall buildings, hills, etc.) you'll
be able to hear both sides of many kinds of aviation communication. Be
prepared for them to be fast and to the point, and for the same airplane to
move to several different frequencies in the span of a few minutes! Here's a
brief listing of the most common types of services in the NAS (National
Airspace System) with which pilots communicate:
Clearance Delivery
At most metropolitan airports a pilot communicates with the FAA on a
frequency called "Clearance Delivery" to obtain approval or clearance of the
intended flight plan. This communication is done before contacting ground
control for taxi instructions.
Ground Control
From the control tower, ground movements on ramps and taxiways are
handled on the "Ground Control" frequency.
Control Tower
Runway and in-flight maneuvers near the airport, usually within three miles
(takeoffs, local traffic patterns, final approaches and landings) are on the
"Control Tower" frequency.
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