FRTOL

[pilotho]

after getting my PPL, i have always wondered why i would also have to get a RT license.

all the way through my training, i have been talking to ATC and even through the PPL skills test i have to talk to ATC. why then do we need a FRTOL??

i think its just another way for CAA to get more revenue, even though they over charge as it is

[18greens]

It is possible to get a PPL at a non radio field. Would you be happy about such a person entering a busy radio driven airport. A lot of controlled fields do have a lot of traffic and snappy concise radio is the core of smart handling in such environments.

There is a minimum standard for RT and this is monitored by the issue of the FRTOL.

Having said that given the number of people who er... their way though clearances you would not believe such a licence exists.

How bad could it be if such a standard does not exist. Believe me you would happily pay £35 for everyone else to be as good as you.

[pilotho]

i really think that RT should be part of the PPL syllabus, the CAA always speak about how safety should be first within aviation. well i certainly think that being proficient with the radio is part of safety especially when uncontrolled airspace isnt such a surplus in the uk anymore

[S-Works]

On the question of RT Licence, after having passed the IR Exams does the UHF automatically get added to the licnce or do you have to apply?

[potkettleblack]

Its amazing how only the UK requires you to have an RT licence isn't it? For the cyncical amongst us it would be easy to assume its a money making means for the CAA. I can't think of to many aircraft that fall out of the sky because some US, Oz, kiwi etc pilot doesn't hold a special piece of paper saying that they were able to sit in a booth for 10 minutes talking to a bloke 2 feet away on a make believe flight.

[BillieBob]

The R/T licence is not a CAA requirement it's a requirement of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, which is the responsibility of Ofcomm. The issue of the licence is simply administered by the CAA on Ofcomm's behalf. Since Ofcomm seem to be moving towards the deregulation of radio licensing it might not be too long before this anachronism is consigned to the dustbin of history where it belongs.

[kevwal]

FWIW, I am a Microlight pilot to be (7 hours in so far), so even less requirment to get my RT license. However, I have just done an RT course at Flylight, (100 quid for two days training, bargain), passed the written on the second day and am doing the practical next week hopefully.

I enjoyed the course, and want to know how to do RT properly as RT is your friend when in the air, there to help, a third pair of eyes and all part of the experiance.

Cheers
Kev

[Human Factor]

When I got my PPL many moons ago, there was no R/T test and an FRTOL (Restricted) was issued with the PPL based upon "in-flight" assessment - frankly, I can't imagine I was much good at the time!!

I was led to believe the "Restricted" part meant you couldn't use HF. I now use HF regularly based upon a full FRTOL licence without any restriction, which was issued on the basis of my earlier FRTOL (Restricted) along with a frozen ATPL. Once again, I did no specific R/T training.

Barmy isn't it.

[chevvron]

The FRTOL was issued on an assessment for a few years, but it was found that RTF standards were getting bad, so the CAA decided to go back to having a separate test, as they had previously done. Microlight pilots were the exception during the 'assessment' period; they've always had to take a separate test, hence their standard of RTF has always been better! (Only joking!) It seems strange that the SPL covers you while training (you operate the radio on your instructors licence), but as soon as you get your licence, you MUST pass the exam to use the radio, but them's the rules.

[Keygrip]

What's the difference?

You don't need a licence for the aircraft whilst your learning to fly - so why should you need one after passing the skill test (using the same logic).

As Whopity says, it's not a CAA deal.

The USA also has a Radio Licence - nothing to do with the FAA either - it's the Federal Communication Commission (and you have to pay for that one, too).

[Henry Hallam]

The "Restricted" on older FRTOLs doesn't mean you can't use HF (though you can't without additional training or passing the relevant CPL/IR exams). It refers to not being allowed to operate some very antiquated types of equipment, none of which are around any more, which is why they don't stamp "Restricted" on new FRTOLs. The priveleges haven't changed.

[Whopity]

The FRTOL is an International requirement set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) who administer all radio regulations. All countries that abide by the ITU requirements will issue radio licences in accordance with the ITU General Radio Regulations of which Article 37 specfically covers Flight Radiotelephone Certificates.

The UK Issue FRTOLs based upon the ITU requirements, some other States either chose not to comply, or interpret the rules differently.

i really think that RT should be part of the PPL syllabus, the CAA always speak about how safety should be first within aviation.

If you read the syllabus, you would find that it has been for over 17 years! A second licence is required because it is a seperate privilege that may be held by a variety of flight crew members as well as persons with no other flight crew licence.

FRTOL "Restricted"

means that the radio must be tuned by switches that select predetermined friequences. This was distinct from the Flight Telephony Operator's (General ) Licence that was issued to professional radio operators, who could use radios that were manually tuned. As such radios have not existed for many years and the General licence predates the CAA, both the General licence and the word "Restricted" were eliminated from the ANO in 1998.
Any FRTOL permits operation on VHF and UHF frequencies, where available; the limitation if any, is on frequencies below 60MHz.