Frequently Asked RT Questions


  • What are the legal requirements for holding an RT License?

    • Holding a Radio Telephony license is a legal requirement if you are in any way operating an aircraft radio. The only exception to this is when you are a student, either dual or solo, when you are operating on your instructors license.
    If you are completing your EASA PPL then passing the RT written and practical exams is part of the requirement for license issue. If you are working towards a national license, microlight license or are a glider pilot, then, while there is no requirement to hold a RT license, carry on reading to find out some of the benefits.

  • What are the benefits of obtaining an RT License?

    • If you are working towards an EASA PPL then the first benefit is that you will not get your PPL issues without it! Aside from this, being able to legally use the radio will allow you to visit more airfields, as many require pilots to be able to communicate with them before they will accept you.
    Some pilots without RT licenses use the radio anyway. While there are no policemen in the air to stop them, it is illegal and could end them in a whole lot of trouble if they do something wrong. In aviation it is very rare that ‘law breakers’ are caught as a matter of routine, however when things go wrong and the CAA get involved, that is when the question of licenses comes to the surface.

  • Are there any other benefits from using the radio?

    • Absolutely. Firstly, it will open the door to many sections of airspace, not to mention airfields, that were otherwise not accessible. Take for example Class D airspace, instead of taking the long route around it, you can jump on the radio and get a transit through it. Also, with Transponder Mandatory Zones and Radio Mandatory Zones growing in number you will be able to transit these without hindrance, rather than taking the Cook’s Tour around them.

  • But I only fly around East Anglia and am happy to go around the MATZ and ATZ's - Why bother with an RT License?

    • Being in contact with the ground stations can enhance the safety for both you and the other aircraft around you. Did you know that an airfield like Cambridge, with instrument approaches, should be avoided by 10nm in all directions if not in radio contact? It is not just the ATZ’s where you may find a 737 on an instrument approach, but anywhere within a 10 mile radius. Not only will it help the controller and the other aircraft knowing you are there, but suddenly seeing an airliner pass close by can be somewhat of an unpleasant surprise to you too.
    Another example is if you have to divert. Imagine you need to divert into Duxford due to a deteriorating weather scenario. Duxford are going to be much less pleased to see you if you suddenly arrive on their runway unexpectedly than if you gave them a quick call to announce your intention.

  • How is the course taught?

    The course is taught in 2 parts, normally over 5 evenings. The first part (2 evenings) is 'lecture based' and covers the theory required for the PPL level RT. We then have 3 further sessions where undertake role play to learn and practise both normal and abnormal situations that occur during flights.

  • Will I be in a large group?

    • NO!!! We have heard of courses where there are 10 - 20 participants and 1 tutor. While this may be OK for the theory 'lectures', we cannot see how this can work well for the all important practical practise sessions.
    At ATL we limit all courses to 8 participants. During the theory weeks one tutor will be present, but once we start the practical side we will split into groups no more than 4 each with their own tutor.

  • I am doing my PPL, when should I start an RT Course?

    • This is an interesting question as the RT License can be taken without actually being a pilot at all! We would certainly recommend completing the course BEFORE you start the navigation phase of your training as it will be one less thing to learn on an already busy flight. Ideally some idea of Air Law is useful (but not essential) so maybe a good time to start is once you are in the circuit.

  • Is the course going to be hard work?

    • WORK - yes, HARD - No. Like any training you will have to put some effort in to get the results you want. With RT Training we provide everything you need to pass your tests and obtain your licenses. You will need to spend some time outside of the classroom both revising the theory and preparing the practical, however we try to make the whole course as enjoyable as possible.

  • Are there any additional costs?

    • We try to make the package course as 'all inclusive' as possible. The course includes copies of all the slides as well as any other written material you will need. The only additional costs we can think of are:
         1. If you are NOT applying for a CAA issued pilots license at the time you apply for your RT License, there is a fee payable to the CAA of around £73.00. The RT License is FREE if applying for a CAA issued license.
         2. We recommend signing up to Air Quiz to provide practise theory papers. This is a one off cost of £3.00.

  • How long is my RT license valid?

    • For older RT Licenses there was a 10 year maximum validity. Licenses issued since around 2014 are now all valid for life.

  • Do I need a full RT Course, can't I just take the exams?

    • Yes you can. Like all PPL subjects you can self study and present yourself to an examiner to take the exams. The value that we think an RT course offers is the chance to practise and receive feedback on your RT so that you are not just able to pass the tests, but are confident to actually use the radio in the aircraft. RT is often the worse taught subject during normal PPL training as the focus is often on the flight exercise with the RT being just a 'bolt on'.

  • Why use Aviation Training Ltd?

    • Aviation Training Ltd is the new name for RT Courses (rtcourses.co.uk) which has been carrying out RT courses, 1-2-1 courses, refreshers and exams for over 15 years. We have 2 current PPL instructors teaching the courses, one of which is also an RT Examiner. I think the most important think however is the fact that we keep the course sizes small and offer a friendly environment for you to learn and practise your RT.

  • I still have an unanswered question, what can I do?

    • Speak to us, we would be happy to answer any questions you have. Please use one of the methods on our Contact Us page

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