Narrative:

There is a problem with the location of the main; stand-by; and back-up transmitter receivers for ZJX frequencies 124.47; 120.2 and 134.15 that are used for the brewton hi and crestview low sectors. All of these transmitter and receivers are located in the same geographic location in the vicinity of the cew VOR or near the pam TACAN. During the late spring and summer months; the almost daily thunderstorms that build along the florida panhandle disrupt the usage of these frequencies. On very frequent occasions; both the brewton and crestview sectors will lose total communication capability with all aircraft on those frequencies. Because of their same geographical location; the stand-by and back-up transmitters and receivers are also unusable. The latest occurrence of this hazardous situation happened a few days ago between XA00 and XA00. Both the brewton and crestview sectors were busy with numerous aircraft (a mix of commercial; military; and private GA) that were deviating for moderate to extreme precipitation throughout the florida panhandle. As well; warning areas 470; 151; 155; and restricted airspace R-2915 were all active up into the flight levels. Complete communication with all aircraft in both of these sectors was lost several times. As well; neither sector has the capability of using guard VHF frequencies during these hazardous situations to attempt to contact the aircraft. West area supervisors have been advised during each occurrence and have logged the equipment failure; but no corrective actions have been taken by the FAA to correct this unsafe issue. The back-up and stand-by transmitters and receivers should be moved to different geographical locations from the main transmitters and receivers to prevent this. As well; these sectors should be equipped with guard capabilities.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ZJX Controller reports main and standby radios of two sectors are co-located and subject to seasonal interference; thus obstructing communications with aircraft.

Narrative: There is a problem with the location of the Main; Stand-by; and Back-up Transmitter Receivers for ZJX frequencies 124.47; 120.2 and 134.15 that are used for the Brewton Hi and Crestview Low sectors. All of these transmitter and receivers are located in the same geographic location in the vicinity of the CEW VOR or near the PAM TACAN. During the late spring and summer months; the almost daily thunderstorms that build along the Florida panhandle disrupt the usage of these frequencies. On very frequent occasions; both the Brewton and Crestview sectors will lose total communication capability with all aircraft on those frequencies. Because of their same geographical location; the Stand-by and Back-up transmitters and receivers are also unusable. The latest occurrence of this hazardous situation happened a few days ago between XA00 and XA00. Both the Brewton and Crestview sectors were busy with numerous aircraft (a mix of commercial; military; and private GA) that were deviating for moderate to extreme precipitation throughout the Florida panhandle. As well; Warning Areas 470; 151; 155; and Restricted Airspace R-2915 were all active up into the flight levels. Complete communication with all aircraft in both of these sectors was lost several times. As well; neither sector has the capability of using Guard VHF frequencies during these hazardous situations to attempt to contact the aircraft. West Area supervisors have been advised during each occurrence and have logged the equipment failure; but no corrective actions have been taken by the FAA to correct this unsafe issue. The Back-up and Stand-by transmitters and receivers should be moved to different geographical locations from the main transmitters and receivers to prevent this. As well; these sectors should be equipped with guard capabilities.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.