Lesson C6 1:18 15 of 26
Which NorCal Approach frequency to call near Monterey, and how the side panel table decides it.
The video plays from YouTube. FAA San Francisco Sectional, effective 29 OCT 2026. Not for navigation.
A magenta box near a Class C gives the approach frequency for arriving VFR pilots. Monterey has two of these boxes. This one reads: contact NorCal Approach within 20 nautical miles on 133.0. The second number, 251.15, is the UHF frequency. On your VHF radio, use 133.0.
The area around the Class C, out to 20 nautical miles, is the outer area. Calling there is voluntary. You must have two-way contact before you enter the Class C itself. The box on the west side gives 127.15. So which one do you call? The table on the side panel tells you. Monterey uses 133.0 from 001 to 135 degrees, and 127.15 from 136 to 360 degrees.
Measured from Monterey, Salinas sits inside the 001 to 135 sector. From Salinas, call NorCal Approach on 133.0. Frequencies can change. Check the Chart Supplement before you fly. Its Monterey page lists the same two sectors.
Before you fly, check the current chart, the Chart Supplement and NOTAMs.
A discovery flight is actual flight training with a certified flight instructor at the Salinas Airport. Your hands on the controls, with the chart on your knee.
