How To Get an FCC License

In aviation, we spend a lot of time discussing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the associated rules and regulations. But there are other agencies and rules at play sometimes.

One of those times is when you use aviation radios. Radios fall under the regulatory guidelines of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the FCC regulates what radios can transmit and who can operate them. 

The FCC has two licenses that are of interest to pilots and Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs). One is a Commercial Radio Operator License, which applies to pilots and those who work the equipment (avionics technicians). The other is a station license required for the aircraft.

FCC License Definitions 

The FCC is the government regulator for broadcasting over the airwaves. You might know them as the folks who regulate radio and television stations, HAM or amateur radio enthusiasts, or cell phone companies. 

The licensing we are discussing here is a very small part of what a large government organization does. And having little experience with them, finding the right forms you need is a challenge. It helps to look at things from the FCCs perspective. For example, here are two types of FCC licenses that might need to be clarified.

Operator–Someone who transmits over a radio. Think of a pilot in a plane, an airport authority worker inspecting runways, or a controller in the tower.

Station–A radio transmitter. Think of the VHF radios in the plane, truck, or control tower. 

FCC Radio Operator License for Pilots

The FCC usually requires operators to hold a Commercial Radio Operator License if they operate aircraft radios. The word “commercial” is confusing to pilots–but remember, this is an FCC definition, not an FAA one.

There is an important exception, and it means that many pilots don’t need this license. You don’t need the license if you only use a standard VHF radio and never make foreign flights.

The FCC Commercial Radio Operator License comes in different grades. Pilots can operate the radio with a lesser grade certificate, called the “Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR).” This license is for most aircraft, aeronautical ground stations, and marine radiotelephone stations on pleasure vessels.

You do not need an operator license to use other radio transmitters found in most planes, like transponders, radio altimeters, radars, and navigation radios. Survival radios, like ELTs, also do not require a license.

There is no testing requirement for the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit. To be eligible, you must be a legal resident or eligible for employment in the US, be able to speak and hear, be able to keep a written log, and be familiar with the applicable laws, treaties, and rules that apply to radio stations. 

Suppose you are not legally eligible for employment in the US but need the license to operate the equipment associated with a valid FCC radio station license. In that case, you can apply for a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit with Limited Use (RL).

Getting the license simply requires finding the right sections on the FCC website, filling out the right forms, and paying the right fees. In 2023, the fee was $35. Once issued, it is a lifetime license that never expires. 

The application form is FCC Form 605. While you can download the form online, to apply for the license you should use the FCC’s online ULS (Universal Licensing System). Once you have submitted the form electronically, you will receive an email with a temporary authorization. Once issued, you can print the license by logging into the ULS.

How to Apply for an FCC License

Unfortunately, the FCC seems to like acronyms and abbreviations even more than the FAA! The form is a minefield of letters, so use care when filling it out and double-check that you’re applying for the correct license.

All license applications start with the same FCC Form 605. You can download the most current PDF of the form from the FCC website, which will include instructions for filling it out. The FCC calls this the “main form” or the “quick form” on their website. Once you’ve got Form 605, you’ll need to find the correct schedule for the type of license you request. For example, commercial Operator and Restricted Radiotelephone licenses are covered on FCC 605 Schedule E. 

All fees and forms are filed electronically using the FCC ULS (Universal Licensing System). Once you’ve filled out the correct forms in the ULS, the system will automatically calculate the fee. Fees are collected by a separate FCC payment processing system called CORES. 

The good news is that once you wade through the FCC’s website and figure out the right forms, there’s little more to think about. Except for the Aircraft Station License, these are lifetime certificates that are relatively easy to get and require no follow-up action. 
Even though the Commercial Radio Operator License isn’t necessary, if you want to boost your future career, it is highly recommended to get it. The extra knowledge and understanding will add an extra layer of safety to your aviation career.