Definition
A unit of frequency equal to one thousand cycles per second (1,000 Hz). Used to express the rate at which an electrical signal or radio wave oscillates.
Plain English
A way of measuring how fast a signal repeats. One kilohertz means the signal repeats one thousand times every second.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft radio, navigation, and electrical system information when a signal frequency is listed.
Derivation
From 'kilo-' (Greek 'chilioi', meaning thousand) and 'hertz', named after Heinrich Hertz, the German physicist who proved the existence of radio waves. So 'kilohertz' literally means 'one thousand hertz'.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate kHz selection ensures reliable reception of navigation beacons and certain communication signals.
Intuition Check
kHz does not mean a signal is stronger or louder. It only describes how fast the signal repeats each second.
Example Sentence 1
The NDB was tuned to 350 kHz on the ADF receiver before tracking inbound to the station.
Example Sentence 2
The chart listed the outer marker frequency as 75 kHz.