Like many airports in the U.S., my home base does not have a dedicated Unicom frequency. Instead, we use the Multicom frequency, 122.9 MHz, to self-announce our positions and intentions. Occasionally, two or more pilots trying to use the same runway at the same time will use the frequency to work out details of sequencing themselves, but that’s about it. Other airports in the vicinity also use 122.9, including nearby Cheap Fuel County, so it’s easy and convenient to leave the selected comm radio on that frequency when popping out to top off before a longer flight.
The Multicom frequency of 122.9 has been with us as long as I can remember—and I’ve been doing this awhile. It’s original designation and use is a bit hazy in my mind, but it served as both a frequency for airports without a dedicated Unicom and for air-to-air communication between airplanes. For many, it’s still the go-to frequency when trying to coordinate a loose formation flight or figure out where the best $100 hamburger can be found. Unfortunately, some pilots think of it as their own little airborne chat room.
