SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Forums

This whole article has been copied by me from the SWWSC site and posted here as a reference article. Radio usage is quite haphazard at the moment and a lot of people with radios don't use them cos they are not sure where to go to contact other fliers. We should maybe agree on some basics, for example a calling channel on which to make a contact and then move to another channel, and maybe a channel for use in competitions. Here below is the article. Thanks to the SWWSC.


Following a very good resolution at the AGM to use our radios more, the frequency 143.100 has been suggested – as this frequency is used for space research it should NOT be used.

The good news, is that the following was loosely agreed between Rod Buck (the BHPA's Radio Officer) and the Radio Agency in the UK a while back.
Whilst not strictly legal, the RA agreed to 'leave us alone' if we stick to the below:

143.950 Main calling channel
143.925
143.900
143.875
143.850 Alternative calling channel in busy areas
143.825
143.800
143.775
143.750
143.725
143.700 Also used as calling channel by PG's in some areas

Traditionally the SWWSC has used 143.700 – I suggest we continue this as a calling & main channel as our sites are not normally that busy.

If there are a number of pilots being coached – then it might be that they, and the coaches, switch to 143.725 to stay clear of the main channel. This can be decided on the day, if it’s not busy we can continue on 143.700
End of article.


That is the end of the article, now all that remains is for us to decide which of these frequencies, or channels to use so as to minimise disturbance with the SWWSC members.........remember that when flying your range is quite extensive!!!