This is a collection of the radio frequencies used by Paragliders around the world. The here mentioned frequencies can be used without any licence unless stated otherwise in the detailed description. Just hoover over the countries for short information or click to go to the full information.
World Map
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[wpanchor id=”argentina”]
Argentina
The official frequencies for paragliding and hang gliding allowed by
the national authority are:
VHF 143.850 MHz & 143.890 MHz
more information under http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/240000-244999/241125/norma.htm
There are 3 other frequencies allowed for rescue, trekking and outdoor
activities:
CENTRAL FREQUENCY (MHz) (they are not of “explicit legal” use during
paragliding or hang gliding)
138.5100 MHz
139.9700 MHz
140.9700 MHz
[wpanchor id=”australia”]
Australia
HGFA Channels (UHF)
The HGFA has purchased rights to use the UHF frequency 472.125 MHz. This frequency can be used “open” or be used as 4 different channels with squech tones (CTCSS, see picture for values).
More information on the HGFA radio channels (PDF)
UHF Citizens Band
UHF 476.4125 – 477.4125 MHz
Max. TX Power 5W
There are 80 channels with a 12.5kHz steps. They can be further broken down using squelch tones.
More information on the UHF Citizen Band
[wpanchor id=”austria”]
Austria
PMR446 is a licence free radio system providing 8 Hardware channels.
1 – 446.00625
2 – 446.01875
3 – 446.03125
4 – 446.04375
5 – 446.05625
6 – 446.06875
7 – 446.08125
8 – 446.09375
For every hardware channel there are several channels distinguished by DCS and CTCSS.
Most UHF radios are able to use this frequencies too, but might have to reduce TX Power as PMR446 uses max. 0.5W.
[wpanchor id=”bolivia”]
Bolivia
VHF ?
[wpanchor id=”chile”]
[wpanchor id=”bulgaria”]
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria the frequency is 146.400 MHz.
This frequency is explicitly reserved for the Ministry of Youth and Sports to be used for air sports. You can transmit up to 5W from the air and up to 10W from the ground if your activity is related to any air sport of course.
Chile
VHF ?
[wpanchor id=”colombia”]
Colombia
VHF 145.600 MHz – 145.900 MHz
[wpanchor id=”ecuador”]
Ecuador
VHF 145.420 MHz
[wpanchor id=”france”]
France
VHF 143.9875 MHz is the security! frequency for all free flight sports. It’s the only VHF frequency that can be used without a licence.
PMR446 can be used.
[wpanchor id=”germany”]
Germany
PMR446 is a licence free radio system providing 8 Hardware channels.
1 – 446.00625
2 – 446.01875
3 – 446.03125
4 – 446.04375
5 – 446.05625
6 – 446.06875
7 – 446.08125
8 – 446.09375
For every hardware channel there are several channels distigunished by DCS and CTCSS.
Most UHF radios are able to use this frequencies too, but might have to reduce TX Power as PMR446 uses max. 0.5W.
[wpanchor id=”greenland”]
Greenland
VHF 146.000MHz
[wpanchor id=”iceland”]
Iceland
VHF 147.700 MHz
[wpanchor id=”latvia”]
Latvia
UHF 446.125
Maximal TX power: 0.5W
This is the temporary one and only Frequency officially allowed by the authorities to be used by paraglider pilots in Latvia without any additional licensing or registration.
[wpanchor id=”malaysia”]
Malaysia
VHF 144MHz – 148MHz
At the moment pilots in Malaysia would need an amateur radio licence, but there are efforts to get some frequencies cleared for free flight use.
[wpanchor id=”poland”]
Poland
VHF: 158.250 MHz
UHF: 459.4125MHz ; 469.4125MHz
CTCSS tone: 103.5Hz lub 71.9
Those are official for the Polish Paragliding Association (PSP), meant mostly for the members, but the law is complicated, so transmitting from in the air is quasi-legal
[wpanchor id=”polynesia”]
Polynesia
VHF 145.000 MHz
[wpanchor id=”portugal”]
Portugal
143. 9250 MHz instruction
143. 9375 MHz comunication between pilots
143. 9500 MHz emergency and rescue
[wpanchor id=”serbia”]
Serbia
VHF 146.675 MHz
[wpanchor id=”slovakia”]
Slovakia
VHF 143.100 MHz
[wpanchor id=”slovenia”]
Slovenia
VHF 147.800MHz
[wpanchor id=”spain”]
Spain
A lot of paragliders in Spain are using VHF frequencies. The problem is that you would need a licence to use these frequencies and most pilots do not have such a licence.
[wpanchor id=”southafrica”]
South Africa
VHF 141.600Mhz & 141.625Mhz
See also: http://www.sahpa.
[wpanchor id=”switzerland”]
Switzerland
PMR446 is a licence free radio system providing 8 Hardware channels.
1 – 446.00625
2 – 446.01875
3 – 446.03125
4 – 446.04375
5 – 446.05625
6 – 446.06875
7 – 446.08125
8 – 446.09375
For every hardware channel there are several channels distigunished by DCS and CTCSS.
Most UHF radios are able to use this frequencies too, but might have to reduce TX Power as PMR446 uses max. 0.5W.
[wpanchor id=”taiwan”]
Taiwan
VHF 150.690 MHz
You would need an amateur radio licence, but most pilots do not have it.
[wpanchor id=”thailand”]
Thailand
VHF 144.425 MHz (used in Khao Den, Phetchaburi)
[wpanchor id=”unitedkingdom”]
United Kingdom
VHF AIRBAND 118.675 MHz (& 129.900 MHz shared)
Maximal TX power: 25W
Notes: below 5000 feet you need a flight radio telephony license or frequency changing locked out in your radio; Station license (= tax, £15annum.)
More information: http://www.
VHF 2m Band
Whilst not strictly legal, the RA agreed to ‘leave us alone’ if we stick to the below:
143.999 (French 143.9875 audible in SE England)
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
It’s not actually legal, but the Radio Communications agency agreed not to prosecute. However, they have been superseded by Ofcom so the situation is not clear.
More information: http://www.
[wpanchor id=”usa”]
USA
VHF
On March 16, 2001 the Federal Communications Commission granted the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA), a radio station licence in the IB business radio service for an unlimited number of vehicular and portable units in specified quantities. The channels licensed for use by the USHPA are below.
158.400 MHz
151.505 MHz
151.625 MHz
151.925 MHz
151.955 MHz
There is a transmition power limit of up to 50 watts. The call sign issued to the USHGA was WPRY 420.
In order to transmit on these channels legally you must have either the (VA) or (PA) special skill signoff through USHPA or have an amateur radio licence. (source)