What is a flight radio telephony operator's (FRTOL) license and why does every pilot need it?

In aviation, the Flight Radio Telephony Operator's License (FRTOL) authorizes you to operate an Aircraft Radio Station in a registered aircraft. The license is held in conjunction with another Flight Crew license. A holder of a valid FRTOL shall have the privilege to use the radio telephone on board an aircraft.

To obtain a FRTOL, one has to sit and pass written examination and a practical oral examination before being an eligible applicant.

Pilot and co-pilot communicating through a radio system. In aviation, the Flight Radio Telephony Operator's License (FRTOL) authorizes you to operate an Aircraft Radio Station in a registered aircraft.

Every pilot needs the Flight Radio Telephony Operator's License (FRTOL) which authorizes them to operate an Aircraft Radio Station in a registered aircraft. Image by StockSnap from Pixabay.

Validity

This license is valid for two (2) years from the date of application.

A holder of a flight radio telephony operator license may apply for a renewal of the license if the holder has exercised the privileges of the license in the six months preceding the date of application.