can I receive any airport radio transmissions from Boston

[Gordon]

Hello to you all,

My wife and I love to follow the planes on plane finder and have recently purchased a Uniden UBC360CLT scanner so that we can hear the transmissions between the pilots, ground control and ATCC. So far I have only heard transmissions from pilots. I am assuming that I need to purchase a suitable outside aerial, but I am wondering if it is possible to reach any airports from where we live at Boston, Lincolnshire?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best wishes

Gordon

 

[Teecee]

Hi Gordon
Radio signals are what is called 'line of sight', it means what it says, but obviously radio signal can travel further than you can see.
Basically it means if there are any obstructions (hills/houses/trees/whatever) between you and the transmitter you MAY not be able to receive the signal. (they do bounce, get reflected e.t.c. hence me saying MAY)
Your nearest biggish airport is Castle Donnington/East Midlands/Nottingham (not sure what they are calling it this week), about 60 miles west(ish). I believe most of their traffic is evenings/nights. (holiday & courier company flights)
An external antenna as high as you can get will improve your chances, but I can't promise it will be the answer.
H.T.H.
Terry