Ever wonder how airplanes communicate to air traffic controllers on the ground when flying over the ocean? Air traffic controllers typically track airplanes using radar technology, which is only effective for up to 200 miles offshore. After flying farther than 200 miles over the ocean, commercial airplanes are typically out of radar range. As a result, pilots must use an alternative method to communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground.
Satellites
When flying over the ocean — where they are out of radar range — pilots often rely on satellites to communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground. Satellites, of course, fly along a fixed path in Earth’s orbit. Therefore, they can send and receive data to airplanes over the ocean. As the pilot flies an airplane over the ocean, he or she will transmit their location to air traffic controllers via satellite technology.
The pilot will essentially upload the airplane’s location to the satellite, after which the satellite will relay this data to air traffic controllers on the ground. This is the most common way that airplanes communicate when flying over the ocean. With that said, however, it’s not only the method used for overseas communication.
High-Frequency Radio
In addition to satellites, some airplanes rely on high-frequency radio technology to communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground. It’s an older and less-reliable communications technology, but it’s still used by countless airliners. High-frequency radio technology involves relaying the airplane’s location to a network of receivers, which eventually pass the data to air traffic controllers on the ground.
Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems
While airplanes typically use either satellites or high-frequency radio systems to communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground, most of them also feature a traffic collision avoidance system. Traffic collision avoidance systems aren’t used to communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground, though. They are used to communicate with other nearby airplanes for the purpose of avoiding a midair collision.
Whether an airplane it flying over land or sea, its traffic collision avoidance system will constantly emit a signal. If another airplane encroaches upon the plane’s airspace, both pilots will receive an alert. The pilots can then take the necessary actions to avoid a collision.
To communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground, pilots use either satellites or high-frequency radio systems when flying over the ocean. To prevent midair collisions, on the other hand, they use traffic collision avoidance systems.
FAQs
The pilot will essentially upload the airplane's location to the satellite, after which the satellite will relay this data to air traffic controllers on the ground. This is the most common way that airplanes communicate when flying over the ocean.
How do airplanes communicate over the ocean? ›
Flights over the high seas communicate by HF radio which is not limited by line of sight. The frequencies are assigned by Air Traffic Control. Each flight is assigned a primary frequency and a backup frequency, and these change with the season and the time of day.
How does an airplane communicate? ›
What do pilots use to communicate? Airplanes communicate with the ground primarily through radio communication systems. They use VHF (Very High Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) radios to establish contact with air traffic control (ATC) facilities.
How do planes navigate over the ocean? ›
Navigation aids. Many GA aircraft are fitted with a variety of navigation aids, such as Automatic direction finder (ADF), inertial navigation, compasses, radar navigation, VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) and Global navigation satellite system (GNSS).
Who controls planes over the ocean? ›
The FAA provides air traffic control services over US territory as well as over international waters where it has been delegated such authority by the ICAO.
Do planes get Wi-Fi over the ocean? ›
Airplane Wi-Fi can work over the ocean, but the plane has to use a different method than the one used over land. Over large bodies of water, a plane will connect to satellites that in turn connect to ground stations. You may notice slight delays when using Wi-Fi while traveling over the ocean.
What frequency do planes talk on? ›
Legally, for air-to-air communications between private, fixed-wing aircraft, there is just one authorized frequency: 122.75 MHz. For general aviation helicopters: 123.025 MHz. Gliders and hot air balloons share 123.3 and 123.5 MHz.
What is the basic communication system in aircraft? ›
The aircraft communication transceiver functions together with a separate electronic module called an “audio panel.” This device routes the microphone input from the crew microphones to the particular transmitter being used and routes audio output from the particular receiver in use to the crew headphones/loudspeaker.
How do airplanes get signals? ›
Once your plane takes off, your pilot activates a transponder device inside the aircraft. The transponder detects incoming radar signals and broadcasts an amplified, encoded radio signal in the direction of the detected radar wave.
How far can planes communicate? ›
When communicating between a ground-based station like Air Traffic Control and an aircraft, the distance is somewhere in the middle. So, with an aircraft at 36,000 feet and the ATC radio tower at 100 feet, communication will be possible up to 250 nautical miles away.
Another reason that airplanes choose to take curved routes instead of flying over the Pacific is that they are safer and more fuel efficient than a straight line. By taking a curved route that covers more land than a straight line, there will be more opportunities for emergency landings should there be a need for one.
Why do planes fly so high over the ocean? ›
The biggest reason for flying at higher altitudes lies in fuel efficiency. The thin air creates less drag on the aircraft, which means the plane can use less fuel in order to maintain speed.
How do airplanes communicate when flying over the ocean? ›
When flying over the ocean — where they are out of radar range — pilots often rely on satellites to communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground. Satellites, of course, fly along a fixed path in Earth's orbit. Therefore, they can send and receive data to airplanes over the ocean.
How do aircraft communicate? ›
Voice/audio communications between an aircraft and the ground are traditionally accomplished using radio telephony, broadcasting and receiving on: UHF. VHF. HF.
Why do pilots avoid the Pacific Ocean? ›
While aviation experts say flying over oceans is safe than land due to past history, the Pacific is still not recommended. The weather over the Pacific Ocean is said to be often turbulent, and there are many thunderstorms in parts of the ocean hence not safe.
Can planes be tracked over the ocean? ›
Modern-day technology on commercial airliners is so good that air traffic control can track the aircraft's position even when it's flying over an ocean.
How do planes avoid each other over the ocean? ›
They are separated by flying specific “tracks” (INS/GPS nav systems routes), different altitudes, direction of flight, and on-board collision avoidance equipment.
What happens if a plane has an emergency over the ocean? ›
These procedures may include deploying life rafts, ensuring passengers are wearing life jackets, and preparing for evacuation once the aircraft comes to a stop. Passengers and crew will then evacuate the aircraft and board life rafts or await rescue by maritime authorities or nearby vessels.
Ever wonder how airplanes communicate to air traffic controllers on the ground when flying over the ocean? Air traffic controllers typically track airplanes using radar technology, which is only effective for up to 200 miles offshore. After flying farther than 200 miles over the ocean, commercial airplanes are typically out of radar range. As a result, pilots must use an alternative method to communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground.