FRTOL Course

Sherburn Aero Club's Flight Radiotelephony Course

Sherburn Aero Club's Flight Radiotelephony Course will prepare you to achieve the highest standard of radio communications, it covers both the written and practical exam and prepares you to operate the aircraft radio in a confident and professional manner.

The FRTOL Course runs the first Sunday every month, and bookings are to be made through the flight desk.

Small classes in a professional training facility ensure you receive the very best tuition available. No matter what type of aircraft you fly, light aircraft, microlight or helicopter, good RT will make you a more confident pilot.

The FRTOL practical examination (which is booked separately to the Sunday) normally takes around 45 minutes along with some pre-exam preparation time. The simulated route will include other traffic, which is replied to by the various ground stations. The test route encounters Military Air Traffic Zones (MATZ) and controlled airspace. The use of Air Traffic Services Outside Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS) such as a Basic Service and Traffic Service are encouraged, along with a few emergency procedures thrown in to keep you on your toes.

CAA requirements for the grant of a FRTOL

The Flight Radiotelephony Operators Licence (FRTOL) authorises you to operate an aircraft radio station in a UK registered aircraft. The licence can be held as a standalone licence but is normally held in conjunction with another flight crew licence. The minimum age for the grant of a FRTOL is 16 years.

Applicants must have passed the PPL Communications theoretical exam (this must be completed before the practical exam, a 24 month validity period begins once you have passed the written exam) a demonstrated language proficiency to at least level 4 must be achieved.

FRTOL Validity period

A UK FRTOL is valid for life, provided that your language proficiency endorsement is current.

FRTOL Licence Issue Fees

Please note that there is no fee if the FRTOL is applied for at the same time as your PPL licence application, however, there is a CAA fee of £73 for the issue of a standalone FRTOL.

See the CAA website for further information