Short Final: Milspec Comms For Me

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Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A civilian pilot flying through military operating areas received an RNAV approach clearance to a non-towered airport from Boston Center.
  • During this approach, the controller gave an unusual instruction, telling the pilot to switch to his "tactical frequency."
  • The pilot found the "tactical frequency" experience very exciting and now prefers it over standard communication methods like Unicom.
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From IFR Magazine reader Thomas Clements:

I frequently fly my Saratoga from Glens Falls, New York, to Ogdensburg, New York, over the Adirondack Mountains and through several large military operating areas (MOAs). The same controllers at Boston Center work both civilian aircraft and a lot of military aircraft.

Recently, as I was approaching non-towered Ogdensburg, the Boston controller told me I was cleared for the RNAV 27 Approach and to maintain 3,200 feet until established. He told me to switch to my “tactical frequency.”

Cool!

I will never want to talk on any old “Unicom” again. From now on. I want a “tactical frequency” or nothing at all!

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