I'll put this here from another thread on this forum as a favour to Ppruners to avoid their breaking the law!
EDIT:My thanks to a valued Pprune contributor (name available but removed for reasons of modesty ) for reminding me to remind ALL that the idea of listening to ATC in the UK on radio scanners is thought to be at least questionable and probably 'illegal'.
Here is a previous post on the subject
"All those who require a definitive answer should read this, which although being suitably confusing does offer an email link if you wish clarification.
You are advised to also check Section 5(1)(b) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949
which
"makes it an offence if a person "otherwise than under the authority of a designated person", either:
"(i) uses any wireless telegraphy apparatus with intent to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any message whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not, of which neither the person using the apparatus nor a person on whose behalf he is acting is an intended recipient"
This means that it is illegal to listen to anything other than general reception transmissions unless you are either a licensed user of the frequencies in question or have been specifically authorised to do so by a designated person. A designated person means:
a. the Secretary of State;
b. the Commissioners of Customs and Excise; or
c. any other person designated for the purpose by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
or:..."
a further email link is available on that site."
[Last edited by BOAC on 26th March 2005 at 09:29]