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Part 1: Preparation
Before you even decide which frequency to tune into, the first thing that should be done is to check the ATIS, or D-ATIS, to figure out how the frequencies are split, and which frequency should be appropriate for you. While it is common to just tune into the ATIS and not really listen to it, there are times where doing that will easily cause annoyance and a disturbance in the force amongst controllers, especially where specific NOTAMs or remarks are in place. Let’s examine the D-ATIS for KIAD, where multiple Tower, Ground, and Approach frequencies are in use.
ToasterStroodie is inbound to KIAD. He tunes into the D-ATIS and takes note of the frequencies in use. On the Ground, we have 121.62 controlling the North, and 121.90 controlling the South. Toasty doesn’t need to worry about those just yet, but rather, keep it in mind for when he lands. His primary concern would be Approach. It’s specified that 120.45 is to be contacted regardless of arrival direction, meaning that an Initial-Final Approach set-up is more likely than not in use. Later on, Toasty will also have to take note of the Tower frequencies. 120.10 serves the West, and 120.25 serves the East. Approach will hand off Toasty to the appropriate one when it’s time. Since Toasty is coming in on 19L, an Eastern runway, he’ll be told to contact 120.10.
Part 2: Initial Approach
As Toasty descends from his cruise altitude along the CALVR3 Arrival into Dulles, he enters Approach’s airspace. Center hands him off to 120.45, as specified and in accordance with the frequencies listed in the D-ATIS. Toasty makes sure he tunes into 120.45, and from there, he communicates with Approach as he usually would by simply stating his Approach request and saying nothing more.
Today, Toasty wants Runway 19L at Dulles, and since there’s little traffic, Approach allows him to continue as field along his STAR, meaning he may proceed both laterally and vertically as outlined in his FPL.
Part 3: Final Approach
As Toasty continues his Approach, 120.45 proceeds to hand him over to 126.10. This is the handoff from Initial Approach to Final Approach. Since Toasty already requested and was granted the ILS 19L Approach by Initial, he simply needs to check-in with Final Approach to continue the previous service he received. Note, however, if Toasty wants a different Approach type with Final, he needs to request it. Otherwise, a simple check-in would suffice. This is the only time when one should check-in with Approach while Approaching.
Part 4: Final Approach to Tower
As Toasty approaches the end of his Approach, Final Approach gives Toasty vectors to final and clears them for the ILS 19L. They are then subsequently handed off to East Tower on 120.25. Again, Toasty needs to make sure he is talking with the right Tower when he makes that switch. Otherwise, it could easily disrupt the flow of the controllers.
From there, Toasty simply calls inbound on the ILS (that’s what he was cleared for) and receives his clearance.
Part 5: Tower to Ground
When Toasty reaches an acceptable speed to exit, Tower tells Toasty to turn right and contact Ground. However, Infinite Flight does not allow Tower to specify which Ground frequency to contact, so Toasty must refer to the D-ATIS information, and based on his location, choose the right frequency. Today, it will be 121.90 for Toasty. From there, he’ll request taxi to parking (or to the runway) and follow any and all instructions.
Later on, we see Toasty is handed off by Ground on 121.90 and 121.62, which is North Ground. All he has to do is switch and stay on frequency. No need to re-request anything. Simply "Monitor Ground."
