[MilCom] The Special Use Frequencies – Now a Mystery?

[Larry Van Horn - Radio (N5FPW)]

In my last two TSM Milcom columns I wrote an article on four of the more 
fascinating UHF milair freqs. I have had some feedback so I thought I would 
share the original article and feedback.

>From the June 2019 TSM Milcom column:

"For many years four of the more interesting frequencies to monitor in the 
UHF military aircraft band was the DoD Special Use Frequencies. These 
frequencies were mentioned as recently as Oct 12, 2017, in a Federal 
Aviation Administration Order JO 7210.3AA.

"I quote from that manual: “6-4-3. SPECIAL USE FREQUENCIES - Special use 
frequencies (296.7, 321.3, 364.8 and 369.9 MHz) are controller-to-pilot 
communication channels established to minimize frequency changes for certain 
military aircraft operating in the high-altitude sectors. The specific 
frequencies must not be publicized. However, information concerning their 
authorized use may be published in official military documents or in agency 
directives.”

"Within the Milcom community these fab four are also known as the ARTCC High 
Flyer frequencies. These frequencies are used to control aircraft flying at 
flight level 50,000 feet or above (e.g. U-2s etc.).

"In recent years, I have not heard much on these frequencies, but I am not 
around where the high flyers are doing their thing here in western North 
Carolina. It should be noted that I have information that indicates these 
frequencies where suppose to be changed after the new band plan was 
implemented in 2004. But as you can see from the FAA Order above, they are 
still listing the fab four as late as 2017."

Now from the July TSM Milcom which will hit the streets today:

"I mentioned in my last column the four DoD Special Use frequencies in the 
UHF military aircraft band (296.7, 321.3, 364.8 and 369.9 MHz). Within the 
Milcom community these fab four are also known as the ARTCC highflyer 
frequencies. These frequencies are used to control aircraft flying at flight 
level 60,000 feet or above (e.g. U-2s etc.). I can now confirm from an 
official source that 369.9 MHz is used by the Atlanta ARTCC via three RCAG 
sites. TSM reader Bill Brown out in Albuquerque reports hearing activity on 
both 296.7 and 396.9 MHz. Thank you for sharing Bill."

Since that column went to press I have heard from several monitors 
nationwide that clearly indicate these freqs are still being used in spite 
of the 2004 band overhaul.

And just this morning Eric Oliver in Cal just responded with:

"The frequency 296.7 is regularly used by U-2 aircraft and also drones 
flying out of Beale AFB.  I have monitored aircraft in Northern California 
for a number of years and 296.7 has been used to communicate with Oakland 
Center for a very long time.  Anytime I hear something on 296.7, I know it 
is something special."

So for my old friends here on Milcom you might want to add them to your 
Milcom scanner load out if you don't already have them and keep an eye out 
for some interesting traffic.

73 and good hunting,

Larry

Larry Van Horn, ATC (AW) USN (Ret)
N5FPW - Brasstown, NC USA
The Spectrum Monitor e-Zine Milcom Columnist
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