Ground Communication Outlet

The GCO at New Richmond Regional Airport was installed and commissioned in November 1997.  The GCO was part of a pilot project between the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics and New Richmond Municipal Airport.  The system is an affordable way to access ATC from the ground.  Click Here to read an article printed in the Flyer.

Description: The ground communications outlet (GCO) is a radio transmitter/receiver with a telephone interface.

Purpose: The GCO allows pilots to communicate directly with air traffic controllers located in Minneapolis. During poor weather conditions, controllers located in the radar room in the lower level of the control tower at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, control the flights to and from New Richmond. Pilots must obtain a clearance to depart, prior to entering clouds or areas of poor visibility (instrument conditions). Pilots needing a clearance can tune in aviation frequency 121.725 MHz and key their microphone four times. The GCO recognizes the clicks and automatically dials a restricted number for Minneapolis Approach. The pilot then has the ability to communicate directly with the controller.

Location: The GCO housed in the airport maintenance building located next to the automobile parking lot on the southeast side of the airport.

Cost: The GCO was part of a pilot program between the State and City in 1997. NRRA was the first of 17 airports around the state to use the system. Total cost of the system is $12,500.

How to use the system ~

1)  Pilots on the ground at RNH should tune a COM radio to 121.725 and click the microphone FOUR times

2)  You will hear approximately two rings of the phone line.

3)  A controller from Minneapolis Approach will answer - you can then begin your communication.

4) After you complete your communications, the controller will hang up and the system will automatically disconnect. 

* If the controller puts you on hold, key the microphone at least once every 30 seconds to maintain the connection.