Why can't I hear my transmissions...

[Avanthused]

Hi y'all,

This is my first post. Wohoo

So when I download the audio from my airport (KBUF), I can hear the tower talking to me but I don't hear my calls. Is it because of the weak signal the training ac (a Cherokee) transmits?

Thanks.

[MathFox]

Planes on the ground are hard to receive, their antennas are close to the ground, the (weak) signal is easily obscured. Planes in the air have, in theory, a longer range than ground mounted antenna's, it is limited by signal strength of the transmitter and interference/noise levels in the receiver.

[Avanthused]

Right; and i'm guessing commercial airliners have much stronger signals hence you can hear them on the ground.

[MathFox]

Are you on the same apron as the commercial birds? Buildings and other obstacles between transmitting and receiving antenna may block reception of the signal. It could be that there is reception from the taxiways...

[Greg01]

Avan,

Do you fly with Prior? Nice to see another guy from BUF here. I fly out of 9G3.

The reason you can't hear yourself on the ground is because the scanner doesn't scan 124.7 or 121.9. Depending on how clear the path is from your position to the feed volunteer's (Dan) house north of the airport also plays a role. Chances are, your communications with 120.5 on the ground will be scratchy at best.

Lastly, your question regarding hearing the controller's voice. The ground and local controller is the same person who broadcasts all transmissions on both 121.9 and 120.5 which is why you can hear him talking to airplanes on ground control but can't hear the pilots respond. I used to intern up there around a year ago!

Good luck,

[Avanthused]

Yep, fly with Prior (which does have it's own ramp, Math) I was just trying to pick up the tower and only heard it one way...so yah, I guess that's why. I'll see if I can pick up my landing clearance next time I go up. Thanks for the clarification.

Out of 9G3 eh? Oh, which reminds me, i've always wanted to ask my CFI this, maybe you'll know. When flying out of Lancaster, do you need clearance from BUF?

[KSYR-pjr]

When flying out of Lancaster, do you need clearance from BUF?

No, as long as you depart the pattern to the east/north/south and remain below 2,200 feet, which is below the class C shelf there over Lancaster.  I used Lancaster many times between 2005 and 2007 as a fueling spot due to their excellent fuel prices back when I was commuting to Buffalo in a Bonanza.

[Avanthused]

Ah right, of course...forgot about the shelf being higher... And yes, while Prior has great service, their fuel prices empty a wallet fast.

[Greg01]

Technically, Peter is correct. However, if you ever stop by the fuel pumps at BQR, you'll see a big board that describes the "departure procedures". Departing to the East and South, you can depart without restriction. Departing to the North and West, Buffalo would like to talk to you. You don't HAVE to talk to them, but it is a courtesy to call them...especially now that 32 has an ILS and is longer than it used to be. Stop by BQR one of these days and check it out.

If you listen to the BUF feed, sometimes you'll here pilots call BUF for flight following and a squawk while still on the ground at BQR. I wouldn't hesitate to call BUF approach if it's optional, they are some of the nicest people around.

Take care,

[KSYR-pjr]

Technically, Peter is correct. However, if you ever stop by the fuel pumps at BQR, you'll see a big board that describes the "departure procedures". Departing to the East and South, you can depart without restriction. Departing to the North and West, Buffalo would like to talk to you. You don't HAVE to talk to them, but it is a courtesy to call them...especially now that 32 has an ILS and is longer than it used to be. Stop by BQR one of these days and check it out.

The only sign I recall at Lancaster was the sign warning pilots to stay below 1,900 (or thereabouts) to remain clear of the class C airspace above.  If there is a sign there recommending pilots contact Buffalo, it must have been placed there after August 2007.  I have more fuel receipts from Lancaster than I do Prior over at Buffalo, and I hangared at Prior for about 18 months. 

[Greg01]

I think they added a little to the sign since July of 07. Maybe you saw it, I'm not sure.

If you think about it, if you're launching off of 26 straight out, you're going right into the Class C and into the approach path of 32. That sign was actually placed there because too many people departed 26 and tried to get into contact with Buffalo as they were about to cross the Class C border. These initial contacts were met with, "Nxxx, immediate turn right heading 090 traffic on the ILS 32..."

Even though it isn't required, it's still a good idea.