The question “What is Communication Radio on Cessna 172?” is key to understanding the vital role of avionics in this iconic general aviation aircraft. Commonly abbreviated as COM, the Communication Radio on the Cessna 172 is an integral system that facilitates voice communication between the pilot and air traffic control (ATC) or other aircraft. This system ensures safe and effective flight operations, especially given the popularity of the Cessna 172 as a training and recreational airplane.
Understanding the Communication Radio (COM) System on Cessna 172
The Communication Radio or COM on the Cessna 172 is typically configured as a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio communication system. It operates within the 118.000 MHz to 136.975 MHz frequency band, which is standardized for civil aviation. Modern Cessna 172 aircraft are usually equipped with two communication radios, labeled as COM 1 and COM 2, to provide redundancy and flexibility in managing different communication channels simultaneously.
For example, the popular Garmin G1000 avionics suite, installed in newer Cessna 172 models, features dual COM radios with a standard output power of around 6 watts. This power level allows a typical communication range of approximately 25 to 40 nautical miles, depending on altitude and terrain. Older or basic Cessna 172 models are often retrofitted with radios such as the BendixKing KX 155 or the Garmin SL40, which also provide reliable air-to-ground voice communication.
What is Communication Radio on Cessna 172? Importance in Flight Operations
Communication Radio (COM) on the Cessna 172 serves as the lifeline between the aircraft and air traffic control. This interaction is essential to maintaining orderly traffic flow, obtaining clearances, and receiving vital weather updates or safety alerts. The COM system is also the primary means of pilot-to-pilot communication, which can be critical in non-controlled airspace or during emergencies.
In flight training environments, the importance of COM cannot be overstated. Student pilots use the Communication Radio to contact control towers at controlled airports, report positions when entering traffic patterns, and receive instructions. Proficiency in using the COM system is typically one of the first skills taught to new pilots operating Cessna 172s, underscoring its operational priority.
Technical Specifications of the Communication Radio (COM) in Cessna 172
The Communication Radio on the Cessna 172 is designed to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for aviation communication equipment. Key technical specifications include:
- Frequency range: 118.000 MHz to 136.975 MHz
- Frequency spacing: 8.33 kHz in Europe, 25 kHz in the US and other regions
- Output power: Usually between 5 and 16 watts, depending on the model
- Modulation: Amplitude Modulation (AM), standard for aviation radios
- Receiver sensitivity: Approximately -116 dBm, allowing reception of weak signals
These specifications ensure that the COM units perform reliably under varying conditions. The integrated squelch function in most radios reduces static noise and enhances the clarity of voice communications. Additionally, modern COM radios often include features like frequency memory storage, automatic frequency scanning, and a noise-canceling microphone interface to improve operational ease and safety.
For more detailed technical information on cockpit comm systems, refer to official sources like the FAA’s equipment requirements and the manufacturer’s documentation, such as [FAA Advisory Circular 20-171](https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_20-171.pdf).
For More: What is QNH on Cessna 172? (Altimeter Setting To Elevation Above Sea Level)