Radiotelephone certificate (aviation)
The radiotelephone certificate for the aeronautical radio service is an authorization to carry out aeronautical radio communications in aviation .
Legal basis
General
In the Washington radio telephony contract of 1927 it was agreed that radio stations may only be operated by people who have the appropriate license. This provision is still valid today, even if it was relaxed for certain areas (cellular telephone, public radio , but also electronic devices such as remote controls, WAN stations, etc.). This provision applies in particular to the operation of radio stations in aircraft. In most states, a pilot must therefore pass a special radio test before he can operate.
This requirement is repeated in the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (Annex 1 (Personnel Licensing), Section 3.4). The current version of the agreement (10th edition, July 2006) also states that, in order to be allowed to operate, a pilot must demonstrate practical and theoretical knowledge and ability, but does not require that this be done in the context of a special test . Rather, it is even expressly stated that the radio license can also be implicitly contained in the pilot's license if the checking of the corresponding skills is part of the regular pilot's test. The USA is making use of this option.
You can also take the radio test without having a pilot license. Then you can then exercise the function of radio operator.
Germany
The unauthorized use of aviation radio frequencies is considered a dangerous interference with flight safety and is punished as such. Listening to air traffic without authorization is also a criminal offense in the Federal Republic.
The holder of a radiotelephony certificate is obliged to maintain telecommunications secrecy .
The voice certificates in aviation are divided into the following categories:
- General radiotelephony certificate for the aeronautical radio service (AZF) - instrument flight and visual flight, German and English
- General radiotelephony certificate for the aeronautical radio service E (AZF E) - instrument flight and visual flight, only in English
- Radiotelephony certificate with limited validity for aeronautical radio service I (BZF I) - visual flight only, German and English
- Radiotelephony certificate with limited validity for Flugfunkdienst II (BZF II) - visual flight only, German, only in Germany
- Limited valid radiotelephony certificate for aeronautical radio service E (BZF E) - only visual flight, only in English
AZF
The AZF is the highest possible radiotelephone certificate for the aeronautical radio service in Germany. It entitles the holder to unrestricted radio communication on flights according to instrument flight rules (IFR). It is valid worldwide and also includes the authorization to carry out speech radio in visual flight.
In the visual flight the radio in the German-speaking area may also be in German, in instrument flight only the English language is used nationally.
The acquisition of the AZF is compulsory in the course of the commercial pilot training (ATPL) or the training for instrument flight authorization.
AZF E
The AZF E entitles the holder to carry out voice radio on flights according to instrument and visual flight rules in English.
BZF I
The limited valid radiotelephony certificate for the aeronautical radio service I (BZF I) entitles the holder to carry out radiotelephony on flights according to visual flight rules in German and English.
BZF II
The BZF II only authorizes radio communications on flights under visual flight rules in the German language and in German airspace.
BZF E
The BZF E only authorizes the use of voice radio on flights according to visual flight rules in English.
Radio license
The German aeronautical permission according to § 44 LuftPersV is a simplified admission to a limited use of aeronautical radio. For example, it is included in the sport pilot's license after passing the theoretical test. This radio license is not a radio communication certificate . It may only be used in the (not subject to approval) airspaces G and E and is only valid nationally, for example in Austria - unlike the BZF - it is not recognized.
Exceptions
In principle, aeronautical radio stations may only be operated by holders of a radiotelephone certificate. However, this rule does not apply
- Air radio stations on board free balloons , air sports equipment and gliders , provided they are not operated in class B, C and D airspaces .
- Airborne radio stations on board aircraft used in the training of aviation personnel
- Radio stations in motor vehicles that are operated exclusively for connection with air radio stations in free balloons, air sports equipment and gliders (e.g. return vehicles or escort vehicles)
- Ground stations that are used exclusively for the transmission of flight operations reports or that are used exclusively for training purposes
- Authorized persons who carry out maintenance and repair work on radio equipment and, as part of this activity, participate in aeronautical radio for checking purposes
- Authorized persons who move around the operational areas of an airport in their vehicles
The Ordinance on Aeronautical Radio Certificates (FlugfunkV) regulates further details.
Language proficiency
Although the radiotelephone certificates are issued in German and / and English, they alone do not entitle the pilot to participate in radio communications. This must also prove appropriate language proficiency (English: Language Proficiency).
In order to be allowed to use the radio in English, the pilot needs at least an ICAO level 4. This corresponds to sufficient knowledge of English for aviation and is valid for four years. Level 5 is six years and level 6 is valid for life, with an ICAO level 6 certifying the holder's native language level.
The ICAO Language Proficiency exam can only be taken by a body approved by the Federal Aviation Office. For the level 6 exam, a native speaker must also sit on the examination board.
Since aviation licenses for air sports equipment operators are not regulated by the ICAO, but nationally, a language proficiency check is only provided if the respective country stipulates this. In the FRG, an air sports equipment operator with a BZF I is allowed to radio in English even without language proficiency. In most European countries, however, a Language Proficiency Check is planned.
education
The timing of the training is the student pilot released. It is beneficial to complete the radiotelephony certificate before the pilot training begins in order to avoid interrupting the pilot training. Corresponding courses are offered by numerous flight schools.
The training can be done in different ways. Usually a small group is taught by an air traffic controller or flight instructor. The execution of flights is mentally simulated, with the teacher playing the air traffic controller and the student playing the pilot.
A radio device can be used to make the process as realistic as possible. Furthermore, the student receives instruction in telecommunications law and telecommunications technology.
exam
The examination for the BZF I and BZF II is taken in a branch of the Federal Network Agency . In addition to the BNetzA examiner, a full-time air traffic controller from the German air traffic control system is usually involved as an assessor . The exam consists of the following components:
- Theoretical exam: This is a 60-minute multiple-choice test in German. It comprises 100 questions with 4 possible answers each, of which only one is always correct. Evaluation: At least 75 questions must be answered correctly.
- Flight preparation: Three practical questions must be answered orally using the flight preparation documents provided. Example: "Explain the entry via ECHO." Then you have to explain the corresponding procedure (flight routes, mandatory reports) on a visual approach chart. The control of and compliance with the standard procedures is assessed.
- English exam (only BZF I): A short technical text in English (excerpt from aviation law publications) must be read aloud fluently and then translated orally. The accuracy of the content of the translation and the general command of the English language are assessed.
- Practical test: A flight from A to B is simulated, whereby a small number of test subjects (approx. 6) are active on the radio at the same time, as if they were actually taking off and landing at the same time. The examiner plays the role of air traffic controller. Exit and entry points can be specified. Candidates for BZF I carry out one of the two procedures (departure or arrival) in English. Compliance with standard procedures, rapid processing of reports, radio discipline , punctual submission of mandatory reports and mastery of the standard phrases (speaking groups) of air traffic are assessed . Special cases such as emergency or urgency messages can then be requested.
The AZF can only be acquired by those who already have a BZF (with the exception of air traffic control personnel). This test is also taken at a branch of the Federal Network Agency . It consists of a theoretical part with English multiple-choice questions (40 questions with 4 answers each out of a total of 288 questions), of which 75% must be answered correctly within 30 minutes, and a practical aeronautical radio test, in which an instrument flight including preparation a flight plan is simulated.
A minimum age of 15 years is specified for the BZF (BZF I, BZF II, BZF E). The minimum age for the AZF (AZF, AZF E) is 18 years.
The theoretical part of the exam can also be taken with the pilot's license directly at the responsible air authority. The exams are then considerably easier. For example, only 20 instead of 100 questions are asked at the Southern Bavaria Aviation Office. A practical exam can take place immediately afterwards. The aeronautical radio certificate thus acquired is legally equivalent to that of the Federal Network Agency.
Austria
The examination is held in Austria by the telecommunications authority (telecommunications office).
The radio operator examination consists of a theoretical part, the
- Legal provisions
- Technical knowledge
- Special provisions and
- a NOTAM translation
as well as the practical part (skills). As in the training, a flight is simulated in which the examiner simulates the air traffic control service (ATC) or the flight information service. Great importance is attached to the correct phraseology and proper handling of the radio or transponder device.
If the exam is passed, the certificate will be issued immediately. Otherwise there is a three-month ban until you can take the repeat exam again.
The following radio operator certificates can be obtained in Austria:
- BFZ (limited radiotelephony certificate for inland flight radio service; only German, only visual flight within German-speaking areas)
- EFZ (restricted radiotelephony certificate for mobile radio service; German and English, only visual flight)
- AFZ (general radiotelephony certificate for mobile radio service; German and English, worldwide, visual and instrument flight)
Switzerland
Radiotelephony tests are carried out in Switzerland by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).
United States
The USA does not issue a special radio license, but aeronautical radio is part of normal pilot training and examination. Accordingly, the pilot license automatically includes the radio license. This option is expressly provided for in the Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
In order to avoid possible complications when flying abroad, the Federal Communications Commission issues a restricted radiotelephone operator permit on request without additional examination.
Canada
In Canada, radiotelephony is taught as part of pilot training. The prospective pilot must pass a written test for the Radiotelephone Operator's Restricted Certificate - Aeronautical . The multiple choice test is carried out by a certified examiner (usually on site at the flight school) and the license is requested by post. The radiotelephone certificate, like the pilot license, is not subject to any time limit and does not expire.
Since 2008 every pilot has to pass an English test. Here you can reach 3 levels, similar to the ICAO language test in Europe, where at least level 4 is achieved and then a repeat test has to be passed every 4 years. The test is called the Language Proficiency Test and takes about 20 minutes. For this purpose, a telephone conversation is held with an examiner, who puts the pilot in different scenarios and demands the correct reactions.
The result " Below Operational Level " means "failed" and you have to repeat the test. If you have reached the " Operational Level ", then you have passed. However, the test must be repeated every 5 years. The best result is achieved with the " Expert Level ". After this test level, you never have to take a language test again. This corresponds to ICAO level 6.
In contrast to the new ICAO language test, only pilots who apply for a new certificate have to pass this test. ICAO requires all pilots to take the language test.
literature
- J. Hinkelbein, S. Berger: Exam preparation for the private pilot license. Volume 2: Radiotelephony certificate with limited validity. (BZF). AeroMed-Verlag, Hördt 2007, ISBN 978-3-00-021004-4 .
- J. Hinkelbein, S. Berger, M. Dambier: Exam preparation for the private pilot license. Volume 8B: Generally valid radiotelephony certificate. (AZF). AeroMed-Verlag, Hördt 2008, ISBN 978-3-00-024847-4 .
- J. Hinkelbein, S. Neuhaus: Exam preparation for the private pilot license. Volume 8A: Radiotelephony certificate with limited validity. (BZF). Aeromedconsult, Hördt 2009, ISBN 978-3-941375-07-9 .
Web links
- Ordinance on aircraft radio certificates (Germany) (PDF; 58 kB)
- Federal Network Agency - aircraft radio certificates
- Aeronautical radio examples
- BZF questionnaire
swell
- ↑ Ordinance on Aviation Personnel (LuftPersV): § 125 Proof of language skills. on the website of the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
- ↑ "Aviation Licenses and Examinations Website." ( Memento of the original from November 7, 2016 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ UL pilots ICAO language test: language test for UL pilots is not compulsory, but advisable . In: aerokurier . ( aerokurier.de [accessed on October 3, 2017]).
- ^ Government of Upper Bavaria: Notes on theory test. Retrieved October 3, 2017 .
- ^ Federal Office for Civil Aviation FOCA: Radiotelefonieprüfungen. (No longer available online.) In: www.bazl.admin.ch. Formerly in the original ; accessed on April 23, 2016 . ( Page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ 47 CFR § 87.89 - Minimum operator requirements. Retrieved September 29, 2019 .
- ↑ Appendices to the Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Appendix 1: Personnel Licensing.
- ^ Commercial Radio Operator Types of Licenses. Federal Communications Commission, accessed September 29, 2019 .
- ↑ strategis.ic.gc.ca
- ^ Language Proficiency Test. ( Memento from December 26, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
