DA20 Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 9000; Flight Crew Type 1500
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings
There is a LOT of bleed over on the CTAF frequency 123.00 at WDR (Winder; GA) and others on the same frequency. So much so that it breaks squelch and it is very difficult to hear other traffic. This has been an issue for a few days now and nearly every pilot; and nearly every plane; has mentioned the interference. It sounds like a radio station; as there is music being played; but I have not been able to hear a station identification. Another pilot mentioned to me that they heard ninety four point something (94.??).
I departed WDR for a flight around the North Georgia area and to maintain night time currency. Shortly after rotation; prior to the crosswind turn in the traffic pattern; there was an unusual scratchiness on the CTAF (123.0). I was able to safely communicate and coordinate with surrounding traffic; but the noise persisted when I wasn't transmitting on the frequency. After confirming it wasn't my radio or intercom causing this noise; I opened the squelch to see if I could identify the source. It was at this time that I was able to hear music being broadcast on the CTAF frequency. I departed the WDR area for approximately 30 minutes and switched to another local CTAF to monitor surrounding traffic. As I returned from our flight and tuned to the WDR CTAF again; the music was still being broadcast. The safety of flight was never jeopardized; but the broadcast of music on a CTAF frequency is incredibly disturbing and needs to be addressed.
Two GA pilots reported interference on WDR airport CTAF frequency 123.00 that appeared to be commercial radio activity.