Editing Kilohertz (kHz) in Aviation Communication

'''Kilohertz (kHz) in Aviation Communication'''

[[File:KHz2.jpg|thumb|right|699x699px|Radio Spectrum: The basic building block of radio communications is a radio wave. Radio waves have the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. Like waves on a pond, a radio wave is a series of repeating peaks and valleys. The entire pattern of a wave, before it repeats itself, is called a cycle. The wavelength is the distance a wave takes to complete one cycle. The number of cycles, or times that a wave repeats in a second, is called frequency. Frequency is measured in the unit hertz (Hz), referring to a number of cycles per second. One thousand hertz is referred to as a kilohertz (kHz), 1 million hertz as a megahertz (MHz), and 1 billion hertz as a gigahertz (GHz). The range of the radio spectrum is considered to be 3 kilohertz up to 3,000 gigahertz.]]

In aviation, '''kilohertz (kHz)''' is a standard unit of frequency equal to 1,000 hertz. It plays a crucial role in defining the operating frequencies of aviation communication systems, especially in the VHF (Very High Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) bands.

==Use in Aviation==
Kilohertz is commonly used to specify communication frequencies for:
* '''HF communications''': Generally used for long-distance and transoceanic flights, where VHF line-of-sight limitations are impractical. These frequencies are typically listed in kilohertz (e.g., 5,598 kHz).
* '''VHF communications''': While frequencies in this band are often expressed in megahertz (MHz), the actual increments and channel spacings (e.g., 25 kHz or 8.33 kHz spacing) are derived from kilohertz-level resolution.

==Importance==
* Ensures accurate tuning between pilots and air traffic control (ATC) for safe and coordinated communication.
* Plays a key role in navigation systems such as NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons), which transmit in the LF/MF bands measured in kilohertz.
* Standardized frequency assignments help avoid interference and support international aviation operations.

==Related Units==
* '''Hertz (Hz)''': The base unit of frequency.
* '''Megahertz (MHz)''': Equal to 1,000 kilohertz, often used for VHF communication listings.

==Example Frequencies==
* '''HF ATC Channel''': 5,598 kHz (used in oceanic control sectors)
* '''NDB Navigation''': Typically operates between 190 – 535 kHz
* '''VHF Comm Channels''': 118.000 MHz – 136.975 MHz (spacing based on kilohertz resolution)

==See Also==
* [[VHF (Very High Frequency)]]
* [[HF (High Frequency)]]
* [[Radio Communication in Aviation]]
* [[NDB (Non-Directional Beacon)]]

[[Category:Aviation Communication]]
[[Category:Radio Frequencies]]
[[Category:Aviation Glossary]]