Use of VHF Airband Transciever
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Use of VHF Airband Transciever
Hey,
After having a couple of flights where VHF radios on light aircraft have packed in mid flight, I decided in investing in an Icom IC-A6 hand held transciever as a last resort if the radio fails and to avoid the full blown radio out procedure and in case of a forced landing I can remain in contact with D&D . However when I got the thing I heard that they are technically illegal to own in the UK (Despite me holding a JAA PPL with the VFR R/T certificate.) After a google around ofcom I am non the wiser , I can't see transair etc selling them if they are illegal . Does anyone have any idea on what exactly the law is on such things?
Thanks
Ewan
After having a couple of flights where VHF radios on light aircraft have packed in mid flight, I decided in investing in an Icom IC-A6 hand held transciever as a last resort if the radio fails and to avoid the full blown radio out procedure and in case of a forced landing I can remain in contact with D&D . However when I got the thing I heard that they are technically illegal to own in the UK (Despite me holding a JAA PPL with the VFR R/T certificate.) After a google around ofcom I am non the wiser , I can't see transair etc selling them if they are illegal . Does anyone have any idea on what exactly the law is on such things?
Thanks
Ewan
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Notice for use
The IC-A24E/A6E complies with requirements of the European Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Directive 1999/5/EC and is RTTE and CE approved. At present full approval for air use is not attainable for this product or any other product at this level in the market place. Therefore, IC-A24E & A6E are both intended for use in Europe for ground use only*.
Under the Wireless and Telegraphy Act of 2006 this radio can be used for emergency communication and navigation (VOR) should your life be at risk.
*Unless an Aviation body in an EU member state gives dispensation for it to be used in the air.
The IC-A24E/A6E complies with requirements of the European Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Directive 1999/5/EC and is RTTE and CE approved. At present full approval for air use is not attainable for this product or any other product at this level in the market place. Therefore, IC-A24E & A6E are both intended for use in Europe for ground use only*.
Under the Wireless and Telegraphy Act of 2006 this radio can be used for emergency communication and navigation (VOR) should your life be at risk.
*Unless an Aviation body in an EU member state gives dispensation for it to be used in the air.
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Handheld radios
They are not illegal to own. Using them is a bit more of a grey area.
The CAA stopped "approving" handheld radios back in the days of the Icom A3, so any handheld radios purchased since then have been unapproved. The only way to get an approved radio is to buy a (by now) very old Icom A3 or something of a similar vintage.
Back in the real world there are hundreds of unapproved radios in use every day in microlights, balloons and permit aircraft. I've never heard of anyone being prosecuted or even reprimanded for such use - it seems that as long as the radio doesn't cause any interference and is used in a sensible manner nobody seems to mind too much.
I know of one person who tried to get a radio licence for their aircraft to use an "unapproved" radio - the slightly surreal conclusion from the application was that as long as the radio was "CE" marked then it could be licenced as long as it was only used while on the ground ......
As patowalker says, if you are only using it for emergencies (and a radio failure would almost certainly count) then there's no problem. And, of course, there would only be a problem if someone cared enough to take any notice of you using it ....
This is yet another example of our illustrious regulatory bodies making rules which are impossible to obey!
The CAA stopped "approving" handheld radios back in the days of the Icom A3, so any handheld radios purchased since then have been unapproved. The only way to get an approved radio is to buy a (by now) very old Icom A3 or something of a similar vintage.
Back in the real world there are hundreds of unapproved radios in use every day in microlights, balloons and permit aircraft. I've never heard of anyone being prosecuted or even reprimanded for such use - it seems that as long as the radio doesn't cause any interference and is used in a sensible manner nobody seems to mind too much.
I know of one person who tried to get a radio licence for their aircraft to use an "unapproved" radio - the slightly surreal conclusion from the application was that as long as the radio was "CE" marked then it could be licenced as long as it was only used while on the ground ......
As patowalker says, if you are only using it for emergencies (and a radio failure would almost certainly count) then there's no problem. And, of course, there would only be a problem if someone cared enough to take any notice of you using it ....
This is yet another example of our illustrious regulatory bodies making rules which are impossible to obey!
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Thanks for the replies. 
That seems to make sense, I am only going to use it for emergencies or getting engine start clearance at a few aerodromes that require it.
Thanks
Ewan
That seems to make sense, I am only going to use it for emergencies or getting engine start clearance at a few aerodromes that require it.
Thanks
Ewan
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... I am not up todate on the latest advancements in airband transceivers etc but on a related subject some years ago when Police transmissions could be received on ordinary domestic radios having vhf the same vague rumours abounded as to whether or not it was illegal listening in to police radio tx. In an effort to have the situation clarified guidance was sought
from the local police station. On leaving the premises some fifteen minutes later I had also left the desk sergeant -an inspector and several PCs each with their own versions of the legal position !
...
from the local police station. On leaving the premises some fifteen minutes later I had also left the desk sergeant -an inspector and several PCs each with their own versions of the legal position !
...
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I heard that they are technically illegal to own in the UK
Just buy what looks best for the job.
This is hardly relevant but if you really wanted a CAA approved radio, there are (were) several models. I have the Icom A22 which was CAA approved. At least I think it is the A22 - it does COM+VOR. These very occassionally come up on Ebay.
There is a nice American radio which also does ILS, which might be a real lifesaver one day.
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Frankly if I was in need of "radio" assistance I'd use my mobile phone. I know it's not legal, but if it was a case of a flight safety issue I'd still do it. That said, I've enough experience with non-radio aircraft to have realised that lift is independent of radio capability. As the saying goes, aviate, navigate, communicate. The reason communicate is last, is that it's not as critical as the first two.
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The problem with handhelds seems to be FM immunity, which ICOM France has solved by getting approval for an A6 with a different antenna, which cannot be bought separately from the radio.
Check out the prices of the A6 and A6FR here to see the cost of legality: http://www.icom-france.com/liste-pro...s-aviation.php
490.00 € TTC vs 629.00 € TTC
Check out the prices of the A6 and A6FR here to see the cost of legality: http://www.icom-france.com/liste-pro...s-aviation.php
490.00 € TTC vs 629.00 € TTC
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The problem with handhelds seems to be FM immunity
Frankly if I was in need of "radio" assistance I'd use my mobile phone
1) The reason for carrying a VHF handheld is that it gives you a seamless comms capability in the event of a total electrical failure. Obviously you need a headset adaptor for it, but I know that mine is good for at least 10-20 miles and if connected to a normal roof mounted VHF aerial (using a piece of BNC coax) it is almost as good as the built in radio.
2) GSM does not usually work above about 2000ft, and who will you be phoning anyway? Do you know the mobile # of the person on the current D&D or your local airport shift? Even the rescue centre in Falmouth do not publish a mobile number to which one could text a GPS position derived from a satellite phone, which I think is really dim (told them so ages ago) since every satphone can do this.
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That may be true but it is the first time I have heard that in connection with a handheld. FM Immunity refers to receiving equipment (VOR or LOC), not transmitting equipment.
ICOM FRANCE : Produits Radiocommunication : Accessoires Platines et filtres : FL-IFFM1
My 02 cents
If you do opt for a handheld as a emgergency replacement there are a few other considerations. The first is to get a headset adaptor as they work much better when connected to a headset. The other desirable options is a to replace the rechargeable battery with one that takes dry cells. The rechargeables will slowly loose their charge unless you remember to top it up. With the dry cells you can leave it for years and it will still be ready when you need it. Finally I would get an older radio off e bay rather than pay the big bucks for a new one. My 20 year old King Kx99 has been sitting in my flight bag for almost 20 years and is still going strong. It may be a bit clunky but it works just as well as the new ones.
Don't know about Europe but in North America a cell phone is the go to device for IFR lost comms in Canada/North America. Nav Canada publishes the direct dial numbers for the each Centre facility which will get you right to the guy running the floor. The owner of the Twin Cessna I sometimes fly has upgraded to the new blue tooth Bose headset and the cell reception is as good as the radio. Even without blue tooth a cell phone will work if you yell, but the easy way is just ask the IFR controller to text you any further clearance(s) in the event of a comm failure.
2 min triangles
Good luck with that 
If you do opt for a handheld as a emgergency replacement there are a few other considerations. The first is to get a headset adaptor as they work much better when connected to a headset. The other desirable options is a to replace the rechargeable battery with one that takes dry cells. The rechargeables will slowly loose their charge unless you remember to top it up. With the dry cells you can leave it for years and it will still be ready when you need it. Finally I would get an older radio off e bay rather than pay the big bucks for a new one. My 20 year old King Kx99 has been sitting in my flight bag for almost 20 years and is still going strong. It may be a bit clunky but it works just as well as the new ones.
Don't know about Europe but in North America a cell phone is the go to device for IFR lost comms in Canada/North America. Nav Canada publishes the direct dial numbers for the each Centre facility which will get you right to the guy running the floor. The owner of the Twin Cessna I sometimes fly has upgraded to the new blue tooth Bose headset and the cell reception is as good as the radio. Even without blue tooth a cell phone will work if you yell, but the easy way is just ask the IFR controller to text you any further clearance(s) in the event of a comm failure.
2 min triangles
Good luck with that
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The problem with handhelds seems to be FM immunity, which ICOM France has solved by getting approval for an A6 with a different antenna, which cannot be bought separately from the radio.
The other desirable options is a to replace the rechargeable battery with one that takes dry cells.
Last edited by BOZR_DOUGIE; 26th Dec 2011 at 21:40.
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“The reason for carrying a VHF handheld is that it gives you a seamless comms capability”
If anyone is thinking of relying on this then I suggest you run a drill in the air. Without a headset adapter you are wasting your time and with the internal areal I would not rely on more than 10nm range. Getting it all out, connected up and working if you are on your own without an AP is challenging to the point that continuing non radio is worth serious consideration (assuming VFR).
Rod1
If anyone is thinking of relying on this then I suggest you run a drill in the air. Without a headset adapter you are wasting your time and with the internal areal I would not rely on more than 10nm range. Getting it all out, connected up and working if you are on your own without an AP is challenging to the point that continuing non radio is worth serious consideration (assuming VFR).
Rod1
Does anyone have any idea on what exactly the law is on such things?
One problem with some handhelds is that they are not type approved; the reason is simple, the approval process costs money and the manufacturers can't be bothered to obtain approval in a wide range of States. Many will have a FAA approval but not a European approval. Without approved equipment, you can't obtain a licence to use it. There is no UK law to prevent you owning it, or using it on receive. In an emergency you could use it on transmit and nobody would be concerned, transmissions in an aircraft would be covered by the aircraft radio licence. You could not install it if its not type approved.
A flight telephony radio operator's licence contains no privileges to operate a handheld; that licence covers the use of a licenced radio station installed in an aircraft.
FM immunity is totally irrelevant and refers to the bandwidth specification of navigation receiving equipment. Older wideband equipment was susceptible to broadcast transmitters in the top end of the 88-108 MHz FM broadcast band immediately adjacent to the aeronautical navigation band which starts at 108MHz.
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Don't you mean the A24? The A6 is COM TX/RX only , it lacks the VOR capability of the A24 , so how would FM immunity be a problem?
Filtre antenne réjecteur bande FM des portatifs IC-A6FR et IC-A24FR pour l'installation à bord d'aéronefs (ne peut être vendu séparement)
Getting it all out, connected up and working if you are on your own without an AP is challenging to the point that continuing non radio is worth serious consideration (assuming VFR).
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I've once texted ahead to a destination strip whilst flying a non-radio aircraft to confirm weather conditions. "wx?" doesn't take long to type. That gave me the information to decide between a diversion to an airfield nearby or to continue. Who says you have to fly over 2000'?
If you're flying aircraft that have enough gizmos and electricity to run them, then you should be worried about maintenance standards if you're planning on carrying a handheld as backup. If you are flying home build or vintage machines with limited or non-existent electrickery, then make the choice to fly non-radio if necessary.
One of the aeroplanes I fly is a Permit type with no electrics. We use a single handheld with a battery and a standby back up battery. If the radio fails the aeroplane keeps flying without any degradation of performance. Others that I fly either have a twin radio stack giving redundancy of operation built in, or no radio at all, in which case the issue of radio failure is rather moot.
Just IMO. I'm sure there are other people here who have different opinions and perspectives. As they say, YMMV.
If you're flying aircraft that have enough gizmos and electricity to run them, then you should be worried about maintenance standards if you're planning on carrying a handheld as backup. If you are flying home build or vintage machines with limited or non-existent electrickery, then make the choice to fly non-radio if necessary.
One of the aeroplanes I fly is a Permit type with no electrics. We use a single handheld with a battery and a standby back up battery. If the radio fails the aeroplane keeps flying without any degradation of performance. Others that I fly either have a twin radio stack giving redundancy of operation built in, or no radio at all, in which case the issue of radio failure is rather moot.
Just IMO. I'm sure there are other people here who have different opinions and perspectives. As they say, YMMV.
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then you should be worried about maintenance standards if you're planning on carrying a handheld as backup