Meadows Field frequencies
Meadows Field (BFL · KBFL) in Bakersfield, CA is a towered field, staffed 0600-2300. Every frequency below is in the order you tune it, from the first call to the handoff on climb out. · Open on the map
All of Meadows Field — runways, frequencies, charts and live weatherWhen the KBFL tower is closed
The tower is staffed 0600-2300. Outside those hours Meadows Field has no operating control tower: it becomes a self announce field on 118.1, and separation from other traffic is yours, not a controller's. Report your position and intentions on entry and on each leg of the pattern.
Runway lighting is often pilot controlled once the tower closes — check the KBFL airport page for the click sequence, and what to say on the radio.
Before taxi Bakersfield
- ATIS 118.6
- A recorded loop of the field's weather, active runway and any notices, updated hourly or whenever conditions change. Listen before your first call, and tell the controller which letter you have so they do not read it to you again.
Taxi & takeoff Bakersfield
- Ground 121.7
- Ground control owns every taxiway and inactive runway on the field. Call for taxi with your position and destination on the field. You need an explicit clearance to cross any runway, including one that is not in use.
- Tower 118.1
- Tower owns the active runways and the surrounding surface area. Call before entering the surface area inbound, and hold short until you are cleared to take off or to cross.
Departure & arrival Bakersfield
- App/Dep 119.075
- One radar controller working both arrivals and departures — normal at a smaller TRACON. The same frequency takes your climb out and your inbound call.
Departure Bakersfield
- Departure 126.45 (NORTH/SOUTH · initial contact)
- Departure control is the radar facility working aircraft climbing out of the area. Tower hands you off after takeoff. Check in with your altitude leaving and your assigned altitude.
Arrival Bakersfield
- Approach 118.8 (SOUTH · initial contact), 118.9 (NORTH · initial contact)
- Approach control is the radar facility sequencing arrivals into the area. Call inbound for flight following or an instrument approach, with your position, altitude and request.
Also
- CTAF 118.1
- The common frequency pilots use to announce themselves to each other at a field with no operating control tower. Nobody is controlling traffic — you are self announcing. Report your position and intentions on entry and on each leg of the pattern, and listen well before you transmit.
- UNICOM 122.95
- A ground station run by the FBO rather than the FAA, for fuel, parking and airport services. Use it for services. Where the field has no separate CTAF, the same frequency doubles as the advisory frequency.
- Flight service 127.1 (LOW)
- Flight Service handles briefings, flight plans and en route advisories, reached here through a remote outlet. Open and close VFR flight plans, and get updated weather in the air. 1-800-WX-BRIEF reaches the same specialists from the ground.
- Emergency 121.5
- 121.5 is the international emergency and distress frequency, monitored continuously. Declare on it if you are in trouble, and monitor it as a second radio when you have one free.
By procedure & sector (5 more)
| 243.0 | EMERG |
|---|---|
| 257.8 | LCL/P |
| 270.3 | APCH/P DEP/P (NORTH) |
| 284.625 | APCH/P DEP/P (SOUTH) |
| 317.7 | BAKERSFIELD RCAG (LOW) |
Every KBFL frequency, as one table
| ATIS | 118.6 |
|---|---|
| Ground | 121.7 |
| Tower | 118.1 |
| CTAF | 118.1 |
| UNICOM | 122.95 |
| Flight service | 127.1 (LOW) |
| Emergency | 121.5 |
| Approach | 118.8 · SOUTH · initial contact |
| Approach | 118.9 · NORTH · initial contact |
| App/Dep | 119.075 |
| Departure | 126.45 · NORTH/SOUTH · initial contact |
Frequently asked
What is the tower frequency at KBFL?
Meadows Field tower is 118.1, calling "Bakersfield Tower". The tower is staffed 0600-2300.
What frequency do I use at KBFL when the tower is closed?
Outside 0600-2300, Meadows Field has no operating control tower and becomes a self announce field. Use 118.1 as the CTAF and report your position and intentions — there is nobody to clear you, so separation is yours.
What is the ground frequency at KBFL?
Ground control at Meadows Field is 121.7. You need an explicit clearance from ground to cross any runway while taxiing, including one that is not in use.
What is the ATIS frequency at KBFL?
ATIS at Meadows Field is 118.6. Listen before your first call and report the letter you have.
What is the approach frequency for KBFL?
Approach for Meadows Field is 118.8, working as "Bakersfield" (SOUTH · initial contact). Call inbound for flight following or to begin an instrument approach.
More about KBFL
Frequencies from FAA NASR. For planning and education only; always verify against official sources.