McClellan-Palomar Airport frequencies
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ · KCRQ · CLD) in Carlsbad, CA is a towered field, staffed 0700-2200. 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 McClellan-Palomar Airport — runways, frequencies, charts and live weatherWhen the KCRQ tower is closed
The tower is staffed 0700-2200. Outside those hours McClellan-Palomar Airport has no operating control tower: it becomes a self announce field on 118.6, 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 KCRQ airport page for the click sequence, and what to say on the radio.
Before taxi Palomar
- ATIS 120.15
- 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.
- Clearance 134.85
- Clearance delivery issues your IFR clearance, and at busier fields your VFR departure instructions and squawk code. Call before you request taxi, with the ATIS letter and your intended direction of flight.
Taxi & takeoff Palomar
- Ground 121.8
- 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 118.6
- 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 Socal
- App/Dep 127.3
- One radar controller working both arrivals and departures — normal at a smaller TRACON. The same frequency takes your climb out and your inbound call.
Also
- CTAF 118.6
- 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.
By procedure & sector (8 more)
| 119.6 | CWARD DP, PADRZ DP |
|---|---|
| 127.3 | CLASS B (294-332 SAN BLW 7,000 FT) |
| 127.4 | LEGOZ STAR |
| 263.025 | LEGOZ STAR |
| 276.4 | LCL/P |
| 323.0 | APCH/P DEP/P, CLASS B (294-332 SAN BLW 7,000 FT) |
| 344.6 | PMSV METRO |
| 363.1 | CWARD DP, PADRZ DP |
Every KCRQ frequency, as one table
| ATIS | 120.15 |
|---|---|
| Clearance | 134.85 |
| Ground | 121.8 |
| Tower | 118.6 |
| CTAF | 118.6 |
| App/Dep | 127.3 |
Frequently asked
What is the tower frequency at KCRQ?
McClellan-Palomar Airport tower is 118.6, calling "Palomar Tower". The tower is staffed 0700-2200.
What frequency do I use at KCRQ when the tower is closed?
Outside 0700-2200, McClellan-Palomar Airport has no operating control tower and becomes a self announce field. Use 118.6 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 KCRQ?
Ground control at McClellan-Palomar Airport is 121.8. 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 KCRQ?
ATIS at McClellan-Palomar Airport is 120.15. Listen before your first call and report the letter you have.
What is the approach frequency for KCRQ?
App/Dep for McClellan-Palomar Airport is 127.3, working as "Socal". Call inbound for flight following or to begin an instrument approach.
Where do I get my clearance at KCRQ?
Clearance delivery at McClellan-Palomar Airport is 134.85. Call before requesting taxi, with the current ATIS letter and your direction of flight.
More about KCRQ
Frequencies from FAA NASR. For planning and education only; always verify against official sources.