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72 MHz is a radio carrier frequency used for the operation of radio controlled aircraft in North America. The term "MHz" is the abbreviation of "megahertz," or one million cycles per second. Modern 72 MHz radio systems operate via a frequency modulated or "FM" carrier signal. Like an FM broadcast receiver, an FM R/C system is virtually immune to electromagnetic interference, an important consideration in the operation of model aircraft of any size. The advent of digital technology brought with it pulse code modulation or PCM operation. PCM applies a digital control signal instead of an analog one over the carrier frequency, allowing for more precise control and even less interference potential,

Because of the potential danger to personal safety and property an out-of-control model aircraft might cause, the frequency is allocated in most countries to model aircraft only. It is illegal in the United States to operate a land-based R/C vehicle on 72 MHz. However, should a modeler require the extra channels available on an aircraft system to operate a complex land vehicle, a 72 MHz radio can be retuned to 75 MHz operation by a licensed radiotelephone engineer or by the manufacturer. Some ready-to-fly model aircraft come equipped with 27 MHz radios useable on either land or air, but their use is discouraged or even denied at controlled flying fields due to possible interference from citizen's band two-way radios.

Channel numbers and frequencies at a glance[]

  • 72.010 MHz -- Channel 11
  • 72.030 MHz -- Channel 12
  • 72.050 MHz -- Channel 13
  • 72.070 MHz -- Channel 14
  • 72.090 MHz -- Channel 15
  • 72.110 MHz -- Channel 16
  • 72.130 MHz -- Channel 17
  • 72.150 MHz -- Channel 18
  • 72.170 MHz -- Channel 19
  • 72.190 MHz -- Channel 20
  • 72.210 MHz -- Channel 21
  • 72.230 MHz -- Channel 22
  • 72.250 MHz -- Channel 23
  • 72.270 MHz -- Channel 24
  • 72.290 MHz -- Channel 25
  • 72.310 MHz -- Channel 26
  • 72.330 MHz -- Channel 27
  • 72.350 MHz -- Channel 28
  • 72.370 MHz -- Channel 29
  • 72.390 MHz -- Channel 30
  • 72.410 MHz -- Channel 31
  • 72.430 MHz -- Channel 32
  • 72.450 MHz -- Channel 33
  • 72.470 MHz -- Channel 34
  • 72.490 MHz -- Channel 35
  • 72.510 MHz -- Channel 36
  • 72.530 MHz -- Channel 37
  • 72.550 MHz -- Channel 38
  • 72.570 MHz -- Channel 39
  • 72.590 MHz -- Channel 40
  • 72.610 MHz -- Channel 41
  • 72.630 MHz -- Channel 42
  • 72.650 MHz -- Channel 43
  • 72.670 MHz -- Channel 44
  • 72.690 MHz -- Channel 45
  • 72.710 MHz -- Channel 46
  • 72.730 MHz -- Channel 47
  • 72.750 MHz -- Channel 48
  • 72.770 MHz -- Channel 49
  • 72.790 MHz -- Channel 50
  • 72.810 MHz -- Channel 51
  • 72.830 MHz -- Channel 52
  • 72.850 MHz -- Channel 53
  • 72.870 MHz -- Channel 54
  • 72.890 MHz -- Channel 55
  • 72.910 MHz -- Channel 56
  • 72.930 MHz -- Channel 57
  • 72.950 MHz -- Channel 58
  • 72.970 MHz -- Channel 59
  • 72.990 MHz -- Channel 60
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