FCC radio permit stupid question
 

Alright here's what I guess will be a stupid question because I guess I should know the answer to this.

I always thought that a Radio Permit was no longer needed on board the aircraft or even needed to be applied for and received. However, we just bought our first "step up" aircraft being a King Air with an HF radio, and displayed next to the Registration is the previous owners Radio Operators Permit.

Do I/We need a Radio Permit with this aircraft?

As far as I know you only need the FCC radio license for international operations. And that's only if you don't have an ATP. I could be way off though. Someone else mind clarifying?

That's pretty much what I was thinking but I didn't know the ATP had anything to do with it....Any idea where I can reference this in the regs?

I think it is 47 CFR Part 87.18

47 CFR 87 : AVIATION SERVICES [ 47 CFR 87 ] : (TELECOMMUNICATION [ 47 CFR ])

§ 87.18 Station license required.

(a) Except as noted in paragraph (b) of this section, stations in the aviation service must be licensed by the FCC either individually or by fleet.

(b) An aircraft station is licensed by rule and does not need an individual license issued by the FCC if the aircraft station is not required by statute, treaty, or agreement to which the United States is signatory to carry a radio, and the aircraft station does not make international flights or communications. Even though an individual license is not required, an aircraft station licensed by rule must be operated in accordance with all applicable operating requirements, procedures, and technical specifications found in this part.

I have always had a radio permit on board, and its part of preflight document checks for me as well. Ive always flown either 121 or 135, so this could have something to do with it as well. If youre purely part 91 or even 91K, you may be exempt. To be sure, probably check with your local FSDO. Those guys would love to answer your question. Better to know now and be sure vs playing dumb during a ramp check.

It's a FCC rule and not a FAA rule, a FAA inspector could care less. The FCC has no idea what an ATP and it makes no difference to them. Just don't fire up the the HF or leave the country.

Commercial Radio Operator License Program: Types of Licenses: Restricted Radiotelephone