Private pilot with some CB questions

I'd check with the FAA to make sure that a CB in a plane is even legal. There might be a freq. crossing issue between the radio sets.

 

A CB is an HF radio. Many aviation radios will pick up CB freqs but will not transmit on them because of CB power restrictions. I used to monitor CB freqs from a surveillance aircraft I used to work on (when I was bored) but we were not allowed to transmit on them.

 

You might want to check with FAA about how low to the deck you are allowed to cruise. My understanding is that 500 feet is too close.

Regarding a CB in an aircraft, why? In all actuality, there isn't much useful information for an aircraft on a CB and if you want to listen to x-rated banter, get a George Carlin CD.

 

Got a few local buds that run 40 channels in their planes,most are crop dusters but acouple fly King Air's and such.
They chat with the wife when they fly by,they can talk for a good while so they must do
a decent job flying at altitudes

 

1) Yes, antenna placement might play a factor in your RX/TX range.I used to talk with a Fedex pilot on 2 meter simplex, he told he had greater range on his HT (handheld transceiver) if the antenna was pointing down.Is it legal to fly 500-1000 Ft above a highway?

2) For the miost part highway communications take place on channel 19.

3) The only similarities between the 2 services is that they are both 2 way radio services!!! Some of the off colored chatter on 123.45 MHz would be very mild to what you hear on channel 19.

4) You can identify your CB station anyway you chose.CB handles are the most common along with unit numbers, either made up or issued by a CB club.

At the top of this CB Radio Forum is a thread with the rules and regulations governing CB radio, it might give you a better understanding of this radio service,

If you have any more questions feel free to ask, I'm sure someone here will have an answer for you

 

I'm not 100% sure, but I think TonyAir is talking about installing the CB in a private aircraft.I don't think many private craft carry HF gear but I think they must carry a VHF radio.

 

I use to be a controller. A radio is neccessity, but not a requirement. Controller's are trained to signal aircraft with a light gun and the pilots are suppose to be trained to interpret it. The only thing you might see is an old crop duster or a balloon with out a radio. Like he said minimum altitude is 500' in an unpopulated area and 1000' in populated area's. Though VFR aircraft are suppose to operate at increments of 1000' plus 500'....1500, 2500, 3500 and so forth, space below is open. IFR aircraft are controlled at increments of 1000' starting at 2000' to give VFR aircraft a play room and seperation. Civilian aircraft use VHF and the military uses UHF.

I would purchase a popular brand CB like a Cobra at a truck stop/travel center. A stock radio will put out about 4 watts. You can find CB shops around truck stops and they can peak and tune the radio and get the most out of it up to 30 watts or so. FCC regulates to 4 watts but alot of truckers beef up their radio's. FCC doesn't care. On the road you can get out 4 miles and more depending on your output. I would assume it would work vertically also. I would like to here your feedback once you install one.