Radio communications requirements
CAR Part 8, AIP GEN 1.5
As the pilot of an aircraft, you must ensure that the aircraft is equipped with radio communications systems capable of continuous communication according to the class of flight you are conducting and the category of airspace in which you will be flying (AIP GEN 1.5). This includes ensuring that the radio communication system is of an approved type.
The radio communication system in the aircraft must be licensed and approved by the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) in accordance with the Radiocommunications (Aircraft and Aeronautical Mobile Stations) Class Licence 2006 legislation. Furthermore, to use the aircraft’s radio communication system, you must hold a flight radiotelephony operator licence that qualifies you to communicate using the radio station (CAR 166E, CAR 83).
VFR requirements
|
Class |
Airspace |
Communication requirements |
See notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
RPT |
Classes A, C, D, E, G |
VHF and HF or 2 VHF |
1, 2, 3, 4, 6 |
|
CHTR |
Classes A, C, D, E, G |
VHF HF |
2, when VHF does not allow continuous communication with ATS at all stages of flight: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
|
NGT VFR |
Classes A, C, D, E, G |
VHF |
2 |
|
VFR |
Classes A, C, D, E |
VHF |
2 |
|
Class G – 5000 ft and above |
VHF |
Except gliders at and below FL200: 2 |
|
|
Class G – Certified, registered, military aerodromes where the carriage and use of radio is required |
VHF |
2, 5 |
|
|
Class G – below 3000 ft AMSL or 1000 ft AGL |
VHF |
In reduced VMC: 2, 5 |
|
|
Gliders |
Class G |
VHF |
Operations at aerodromes serviced by RPT: 5 |
Notes
- The pilot must have a valid instrument rating and fly in day VMC only with continuous communication capability in accordance with CAO 82.3.7.3(c).
- VHF communications systems must be capable of communication on all VHF frequencies required to meet the reporting and broadcast requirements of AIP ENR 1.1.
- HF communications systems must be fitted with frequencies appropriate to the area of operation as specified in the AIP ERSA – NAV/COM. The frequencies fitted must be sufficient to enable continuous communication with ATS units for the planned duration of the flight or while operating within the specified area, taking into account the expected radio propagation conditions during the period of operation.
- At least one item of the required radio equipment must be capable of maintaining continuous communication with ATS at all stages of the flight. The term ‘all stages of flight’ includes ground operations at the aerodromes of departure and arrival, and cruising levels that could be required for any emergency and/or abnormal operation en route. However, when continuous VHF can be maintained but cannot be guaranteed, a SATCOM telephone may be used instead of HF subject to the conditions in AIP GEN 1.5 . See AIP GEN 3.4 for SATCOM procedures.
- An approved and licensed hand-held VHF radio may be used by pilots (AIP GEN 1.5):
- of VFR private and airwork aeroplanes with an MTOW not exceeding:
- – in the case of an aeroplane other than a seaplane 600 kg; and
- – in the case of a seaplane with two seats 650 kg;
- of gliders
- of balloons.
Additionally, approved hand-held radios may be used by pilots of these aircraft when operating in Class G. Where the radio is not connected to the aircraft’s primary power supply, there must be ready access to back-up power.
- of VFR private and airwork aeroplanes with an MTOW not exceeding:
- Planning Chart Australia (AUS PCA) shows the areas in which an aircraft, flying at the altitudes indicated, could be expected to maintain continuous VHF communications with an ATS unit.
- Private aircraft without radio may be admitted to the CTRs for maintenance subject to the approval of the appropriate ATC unit. Pilots must comply with any conditions contained in the approval (see AIP GEN 1.5).