Radio Procedures – Overview of Aviation Radio

Law set out by Civil Aviation Regulation 83 prohibits a person from transmitting on a radio frequency unless qualified to do so

• 50pu (Fine $10500)
• This prevents interference or over transmission of critical safety related transmissions

Hence you receive training and an AROC to qualify you

CASR 64.B Transmission on aeronautical radio frequencies

Eligible for AROC if:

• At least 17 years
• Received training and assessed (Part 61)
• Aviation English Language Proficient Assessment

While American, the following video is a good introduction to radio use.

In Australia the registrations all start with VH- followed by three letters. While flying within Australia the VH gets dropped and only the three remaining letters are used as the callsign.

Air Traffic Control:

• To operate within Controlled Airspace with approval
• e.g. above 400ft or within 5.5km of a controlled aerodrome
• Callsign: (Brisbane) Tower; (Brisbane) Approach; (Brisbane) Ground

Pilots of Manned Aircraft:

• Helicopters
• Ag planes
• Aircraft outside controlled airspace near aerodromes
• Callsign: In Australia registered callsign e.g. Foxtrot India November or Qantas 5 3 6.

Ground support crew on discrete frequency

• E.g. Car 23

RPAS operations will predominantly be VHF frequencies.

Frequencies are displayed on Aeronautical Charts and in AIP (Aeronatical Informantion Publication) publications such as ERSA (En Route Supplement Australia).

VTC (Visual Terminal Chart) chart which includes topographical information, airspace limits and frequency information

ERSA is a list of Aerodromes, with operating information.

HF frequencies vary depending on atmospheric conditions. Usually, a 4 numbered KHz frequency e.g. 6610 See location briefing