Cessna Aircraft Undifferentiated or Other Model
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings
The pilot called for an IFR clearance while on the ground at CBF. The frequency used was 124.5; which is a problem for aircraft on the ground. Sometimes we can hear the aircraft; and sometimes we cannot or lose them partially thru the clearance. The aircraft was given a clearance with a hold for release instruction. We did not initially receive a response. The Controller then asked if the aircraft copied; and when they un-keyed; they had blocked part of the transmission from the pilot; which only included an altitude read back and was asking about the transponder code. Controller then tried to verify more information twice and did not receive a response. On the third try the pilot stated that they copied and that they were airborne. No separation was lost; but aircraft departed unexpectedly. We never had a good read back from the pilot and never heard the aircraft reply back with hold for release nor was the aircraft released for IFR departure. There needs to be an RTR frequency on the ground at CBF. This is a very busy uncontrolled airport 6 miles from OMA; and 1 mile from the surface area; and underneath the Class C airspace. This happens on a daily basis; we lose contact with aircraft on the ground. This time it was not a safety situation; but there is a definite possibility of it being one.
R90 Controller voiced concern regarding the radio coverage at CBF; suggesting that RTR frequency equipment be installed at CBF; a busy non-towered airport.