Airshow Radio Monitoring

[SnowbirdsFanatic]

The following Blue Angels frequencies definitely seem to be a 'constant' which is good news for fans that like to watch and listen

237.800

275.350

305.900

[Jacktextor]

Thanks!

[bigt512]

Found this on Radioreference. It is from last year but they don't change to much.
https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?aid=7836

[JasonB]

I have found that the military demo frequencies remain the same at most air shows. The air boss frequency changes a lot. Chicago is usually a different frequency every year.

[mikeyb9]

Hi guys, just learning this stuff, bought a bearcat436, anyways I’m up in comox watching the 2 Canadian demo teams practice(awesome by the way) the snowbirds are using 272.100 right now, and the ground crew we met said it will stay the same for now, but we r having a tough time locking on to the cf18 demo channel. We met the announcers today and they said it’s different from last year, maybe they didn’t like my like “lady in red shirt” lol , just kiddding they did but they weren’t open to sharing the channel, I’m here for 2 more days so if I find it I’ll let ya know.
Ps my friend was at the only thunderbird show so far and they are using the same channels as before, hope this helps

Cheers mikeyb

[SnowbirdsFanatic]

Hi guys, just learning this stuff, bought a bearcat436, anyways I’m up in comox watching the 2 Canadian demo teams practice(awesome by the way) the snowbirds are using 272.100 right now, and the ground crew we met said it will stay the same for now, but we r having a tough time locking on to the cf18 demo channel. We met the announcers today and they said it’s different from last year, maybe they didn’t like my like “lady in red shirt” lol , just kiddding they did but they weren’t open to sharing the channel, I’m here for 2 more days so if I find it I’ll let ya know.
Ps my friend was at the only thunderbird show so far and they are using the same channels as before, hope this helps

Cheers mikeyb

Hi Mikey,

I will be on a ferry heading to the island this afternoon and will be in Comox tomorrow morning for the first practice session. Being as the Hornet flies solo as opposed to flying in formation with other aircraft he doesn't generally talk to anybody other than the tower on UHF tower frequencies: http://www.canairradio.com/bc.html Scroll down to CFB COMOX - CYQQ. This may be one of the reasons why you are not hearing any comms while he is in flight.

Conversely if you go to page 1 of this current thread (1st post) and click on the link at the bottom of my post, it will take you to my page with this year's frequencies on it which also have the RCAF Hornet frequencies posted. After speaking with my contact at CFB19 Wing Comox here is the scheduled flying practice times for tomorrow...

19 Wing Comox Military Practice Timing - Saturday April 21st

9:10am-9:55am. SNOWBIRDS AIR PRACTICE
12:05pm-12:35pm. HORNET 1 AIR PRACTICE
12:45pm-1:30pm. SNOWBIRDS AIR PRACTICE
2:00pm-3:30pm. AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS (19 Wing Museum)
3:45pm-4:15pm. HORNET 1 AIR PRACTICE

If you happen to be down on 'Airforce Beach' tomorrow (which is open to the public during practice sessions) feel free to come over and introduce yourself! I'll be in a small black Fiat with specialized radio equipment in tow!

A word of CAUTION: Posted Speed Limit is 30kmh and the MP's watch for speeders entering and exiting their beach access - exercise due diligence and enjoy the practices!

Cheers!

[bigt512]

Not sure if it it true for the CF18 demo but I know that the F22 demo usually calls out what he is doing so that the announcers know what is going on. They are in constant contact on their UHF Frequency during the demo

[SnowbirdsFanatic]

Loving it over here in Comox today - beautifully sunny and 16C on Airforce Beach. Just met Mikey and we hit it off right away! We both had radios going and I was able to school Mikey in a few different things on the Snowbirds communications! Unfortunately the CF18 Hornet doesn't fly until 3:45pm and Mikey had to race for a 3pm ferry. The Snowbirds were using a number of different channels during their practice: 272.1, 116.0, 117.0, 358.1 I spoke with the simulcast crew and got up close and personal with the Snowbirds Comm Cart!!! So cool!!! The Snowbirds flew 2 flawless practices and the second practice was a super-full beach!

The Hornet recieved clearance for the airspace on Comox Ground VHF and spoke to Comox Tower on VHF very briefly. Sadly no other UHF Comms from the elusive Hornet. Perhaps at a real airshow where he chooses to simulcast his comments to the crowd he will pop up on one of the designated frequencies.

Great Show Gentlemen - Thank You!!!

Here is the link to watch how the new CF-18 Hornet (pictured below) was painted in the NORAD 60 Years Edition

[SnowbirdsFanatic]

...my friend was at the only thunderbird show so far and they are using the same channels as before, hope this helps

Feel free to share the confirmed frequencies he heard here - Thanks!

[bigt512]

These were posted in a scanner group that I am in on Facebook from MacDill airforce base.
Blue Angels on 237.8, 275.35 & 284.25 Also saw this on the web site. NO SCANNERS

Screenshot-2018-5-13 MacDill Air Force Base AirFest 2018.png (281.04 KiB) Viewed 7445 times