Definition
The specific radio frequency that air traffic control directs a pilot to use for communications with a particular controlling facility or sector. Once assigned, the pilot tunes that frequency on the appropriate radio and uses it until ATC instructs a change.
Plain English
The radio channel that ATC tells you to use. You set it on your radio and talk on it until they tell you to switch to a different one.
Context Anchor
Used during radio communication, especially when a controller tells a pilot to change from one frequency to another.
Derivation
Assigned comes from a Latin root meaning “to mark out” or “appoint.” Frequency comes from a Latin root meaning “often repeated.” In radio use, a frequency is a specific repeated radio wave rate, and an assigned frequency is the one appointed for your use.
Why Pilots Care
Using the assigned frequency keeps the pilot in contact with the correct controller and prevents loss of communication.
Intuition Check
Assigned does not mean any frequency that seems suitable. It means the specific frequency you were given, directed to use, or expected to use for that operation.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the tower instructed the pilot to contact departure on the assigned frequency of 124.35.
Example Sentence 2
After switching radios, the pilot confirmed he was monitoring the assigned frequency.