UNICOM, ARINC or ASRI: What’s the Frequency, AC-U-KWIK?

Question: When using AC-U-KWIK, I often come across different types of frequencies to contact an FBO while inbound to an airport. Of course I am familiar with UNICOM, and I also know that ARINC frequencies are individual frequencies for FBOs. But why do I see ASRI frequencies listed in AC-U-KWIK? Is this a new form of technology or just a name change?

FBOs at Tulsa International Airport FBOs use UNICOM and ASRI frequencies. AC-U-KWIK's airport diagram lists both and is encouraging FBOs to adopt the label "ASRI" for the frequencies formerly called ARINC frequencies.Answer: In North America, UNICOM frequencies — between 122.7 and 123.075 MHz — have long been the traditional way to contact FBOs or other service providers when approaching an airport to land (or while taxiing). However, at uncontrolled airports, UNICOM is used primarily for aircraft position reports as well as communication between pilots to ensure safe traffic separation.

Because UNICOM serves many purposes, a need for a separate, direct-to-FBO frequency was initially filled by a company called ARINC (Aeronautical Radio Inc.). This frequency enables FBOs to communicate more easily with aircraft because they do not need to compete for airtime on UNICOM. ARINC supplied FBOs (or other airport businesses) with a frequency between 128.825 and 132.00 MHz as well as between 136.5 and 136.975 MHz. FBOs are charged a monthly “station” fee and the cost of the FCC license.

ASRI (Aviation Spectrum Resources) was spun off from ARINC in 2010 and now manages the frequency licenses for more than 6000 ground station radios, hence the name change. However, many pilots and FBOs still refer to these frequencies as ARINC frequencies. For the time being, the terms are both being used, but AC-U-KWIK is encouraging its advertisers to change to the ASRI abbreviation.