Helicopter
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Troubleshooting; Workload
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Environment - Non Weather Related; ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Equipment / Tooling
Helicopters in the SFRA around Washington; DC area have been increasingly asked to use 125.65 for departures and arrivals into and out of the SFRA. The frequency works ok within about 20 miles of the DCA VOR but beyond about 20 miles; even at altitudes of 2000 feet AGL TRACON has a difficult time understanding radio communications from us. This morning's flight I had to switch to another frequency to clear the SFRA (128.35). It was actually the same Controller as was on the problem frequency of 125.65. I explained we were having issues with communications on 125.65; and that I could reach him on other frequencies. The Controller claimed he would submit a trouble report on his end. I had a similar trouble the previous day on the same frequency of 125.65 and had to resort to another frequency. This problem has been going on for about a month now. The eastern and southern sectors of the SFRA seem to be the area where the most problems occur trying to use 125.65.
Helicopter Captain reported communication issues while on the 125.65 frequency around the Washington; DC SFRA area. The Captain stated this frequency has poor quality beyond 20 miles from the DCA VOR.