Radio License for Bahamas Trip for dummies?

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JasonM

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JM
So, in this scenario, I am the dummy that wants to get the two different required licenses for me to fly to the Bahamas. I know I need one "radiotelephone operator’s license" for me and one "radio station license" for the airplane.

Is there an easy way to accomplish this?

Is there someone that can explain this process? I went to http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=about_getting_started and was going to do the online registration thing, but then it asked if I wanted to do it as a business or as myself. Well then I got confused because I read where you can only have one account. So how do I do this correctly and get the license for the airplane which is in a business name and the license for myself separately?

:confused: :confused:
 
I'll need to know this eventually as well. But in the meantime, could ya pick me up on the way? :) :)
 
Don't do it... but you already know that.

If you are a pleasure pilot flying a SEL, there is absolutely no one that will know what to do with your two Radiotelephone thingies... no one.

Carry on.
 
eman1200 said:
I'll need to know this eventually as well. But in the meantime, could ya pick me up on the way? :) :)
Click to expand...

Seats will be full :sad:

Bill Watson said:
Don't do it... but you already know that.

If you are a pleasure pilot flying a SEL, there is absolutely no one that will know what to do with your two Radiotelephone thingies... no one.

Carry on.
Click to expand...

How did I already know that? Why not? I read an older post on here where some guy got fined $500 for not having them.
 
see if you can PM bahama flier. he's on my list of people to contact when it comes time to hit South Bimini.
 
On my trips to the Bahamas,no one ever asked to see my radio telephone operators liscense.
 
frfly172 said:
On my trips to the Bahamas,no one ever asked to see my radio telephone operators liscense.
Click to expand...

Same here. No one I know that has flown to and from the Bahamas has been asked either.

T&C are different though, and I have heard of pilots being asked for it there.
 
The Bahamians do not require either the operator or station license. Only if you go further out (like the Turks & Caicos) do the licenses become required by the locals.
 
frfly172 said:
On my trips to the Bahamas,no one ever asked to see my radio telephone operators liscense.
Click to expand...

I flew to the Bahamas in January. Same thing... in fact the only document requested was my Passport.

Here's a step by step guide on how to get the radio license:

1. Go to http://www.fcc.gov website
2. Pull down the Business & Licensing menu
3. Select Forms
4. Scroll down to FCC 605
5. Select Electronic Filing under FCC 605
6. Select New Users mid-page [Record this web address – you will need to come back here after you receive your FRN #]
7. Select REGISTER - Get Your FRN & Password
8. Select ULS Homepage link in Step #1
9. Select Register next to New Users
10. Select Register & Receive your FRN
11. Follow the Steps to completion
12. Return to Step 6 above
13. Under Getting Connected, Select the Getting Connected to ULS link
14. Disable your pop up blocker and select the http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ link
15. Select Login next to Online Filing
16. Pull out your credit card. The fee is $60.00.
17. Follow the steps to completion. Select RR for license type.
18. My license arrived in 1 week.

Good luck!
 
I've had one since 1976. I wonder if it's still good? I've heard they don't expire, but never bothered to confirm it one way or the other.
 
Flocker said:
I flew to the Bahamas in January. Same thing... in fact the only document requested was my Passport.

Here's a step by step guide on how to get the radio license:

1. Go to http://www.fcc.gov website
2. Pull down the Business & Licensing menu
3. Select Forms
4. Scroll down to FCC 605
5. Select Electronic Filing under FCC 605
6. Select New Users mid-page [Record this web address – you will need to come back here after you receive your FRN #]
7. Select REGISTER - Get Your FRN & Password
8. Select ULS Homepage link in Step #1
9. Select Register next to New Users
10. Select Register & Receive your FRN
11. Follow the Steps to completion
12. Return to Step 6 above
13. Under Getting Connected, Select the Getting Connected to ULS link
14. Disable your pop up blocker and select the http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ link
15. Select Login next to Online Filing
16. Pull out your credit card. The fee is $60.00.
17. Follow the steps to completion. Select RR for license type.
18. My license arrived in 1 week.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thank you sir!
 
As Ron said: never been asked there or in Mexico. Went last summer and made several inter-island hops. Now, their fees are another matter entirely (g). Tried to collect them several times from me (I had paid them once). FBO even tried billing me and I declined the charge.

Best,

Dave
 
write-stuff said:
I've had one since 1976. I wonder if it's still good? I've heard they don't expire, but never bothered to confirm it one way or the other.
Click to expand...

I believe the Radiotelephone Operator Permit does not expire, but the radio station license for the airplane expires in one year. But...I'm not completely sure.

I flew to the Bahamas and was never asked for either. Same for Canada. I landed in Nassau and St. Catherine's.

Gene
 
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write-stuff said:
I've had one since 1976. I wonder if it's still good? I've heard they don't expire, but never bothered to confirm it one way or the other.
Click to expand...

The radiotelephone operators permit does not expire. I've had mine since 1974.
I checked with FCC before my trip to Alaska through Canada.

I never saw a Canadian customs person, either direction, it was all via telephone. Hard to know what they would ask for in person.

Have no idea on the carribean.
 
JasonM said:
How did I already know that? Why not? I read an older post on here where some guy got fined $500 for not having them.
Click to expand...

This forum is not a good place to ask about filling out the application, considering most folks here hold neither an aircraft or operator FCC license.

Which post did you see the fine? Was it to the Bahamas? Who issued the fine?

Only $500?

Considering the cost of the license, versus the probability of being fined, and the relatively small fine, it's worth risking it. Personally I've never bothered. Others will mention filling out the paperwork but never actually mailing the app. Use your logic/conscience.
 
drgwentzel said:
I believe the Radiotelephone Operator Permit does not expire, but the radio station license for the airplane expires in one year. But...I'm not completely sure.
Click to expand...
Correct about the lifetime RRTO, but the aircraft station license is good for ten years or transfer of aircraft ownership, whichever comes FIRST.

I flew to the Bahamas and was never asked for either. Same for Canada. I landed in Nassau and St. Catherine's.
Click to expand...
Neither Canada nor the Bahamas require pilot or aircraft radio licenses.

Mexico? Not sure the rules apply -- mordida is probably the answer there whether it's technically required or not. ;)
 
JM, it looks like you have your questions answered, but just be warned, things are changing in the Bahamas all the time. Their laws and regulations change overnight with no warning. Americans are seen to be money makers for the Government, and they continually look at ways to get more out of travelers there.

Its is true no one checks for a radio license for you or your airplane at this time, but in writing, it is required.

It does not take much to get your required license, a fellow flier has posted the way to get it.

It would not surprise me to arrive one day and be asked for mine, if not they may have a fine waiting, only to raise money for the Government.

The Bahamas Government is just as corrupt as ours, and are continually trying to get as much of our money as they can.

Get your License as time permits, you never know..
 
bahama flier said:
JM, it looks like you have your questions answered, but just be warned, things are changing in the Bahamas all the time. Their laws and regulations change overnight with no warning. Americans are seen to be money makers for the Government, and they continually look at ways to get more out of travelers there.

Its is true no one checks for a radio license for you or your airplane at this time, but in writing, it is required.

It does not take much to get your required license, a fellow flier has posted the way to get it.

It would not surprise me to arrive one day and be asked for mine, if not they may have a fine waiting, only to raise money for the Government.

The Bahamas Government is just as corrupt as ours, and are continually trying to get as much of our money as they can.

Get your License as time permits, you never know..
Click to expand...

thanks Bahama flier. I'll get to the paper work then. :sigh:
 
Flocker said:
I flew to the Bahamas in January. Same thing... in fact the only document requested was my Passport.

Here's a step by step guide on how to get the radio license:

1. Go to http://www.fcc.gov website
2. Pull down the Business & Licensing menu
3. Select Forms
4. Scroll down to FCC 605
5. Select Electronic Filing under FCC 605
6. Select New Users mid-page [Record this web address – you will need to come back here after you receive your FRN #]
7. Select REGISTER - Get Your FRN & Password
8. Select ULS Homepage link in Step #1
9. Select Register next to New Users
10. Select Register & Receive your FRN
11. Follow the Steps to completion
12. Return to Step 6 above
13. Under Getting Connected, Select the Getting Connected to ULS link
14. Disable your pop up blocker and select the http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ link
15. Select Login next to Online Filing
16. Pull out your credit card. The fee is $60.00.
17. Follow the steps to completion. Select RR for license type.
18. My license arrived in 1 week.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

:eek:
That was the single most painful website I have ever used. Would have been completely lost without your steps.Pop-ups, redirects to other sites, randomly logging you off, etc.
:yikes:
If you didn't select RR but instead chose something obvious but strangely wrong like "General Aviation" or "Airplane" you almost get billed for $165.

RR is $65 these days...
 
Datadriver said:
:eek:
That was the single most painful website I have ever used. Would have been completely lost without your steps.Pop-ups, redirects to other sites, randomly logging you off, etc.
:yikes:
If you didn't select RR but instead chose something obvious but strangely wrong like "General Aviation" or "Airplane" you almost get billed for $165.

RR is $65 these days...
Click to expand...
I would repeat that the Bahamians do not require radio licenses for US pilots/aircraft although that changes if you go further out. Or is this just an opportunity to point out the horribleness of the FCC web site for applying for radio licenses?
 
JasonM said:
So, in this scenario, I am the dummy that wants to get the two different required licenses for me to fly to the Bahamas. I know I need one "radiotelephone operator’s license" for me and one "radio station license" for the airplane.

Is there an easy way to accomplish this?

Is there someone that can explain this process? I went to http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=about_getting_started and was going to do the online registration thing, but then it asked if I wanted to do it as a business or as myself. Well then I got confused because I read where you can only have one account. So how do I do this correctly and get the license for the airplane which is in a business name and the license for myself separately?

:confused: :confused:
Click to expand...

The station license is automatic:

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.

87.89, in part:

d) No operator license is required to:
(1) Operate an aircraft radar set, radio altimeter, transponder or other aircraft automatic radionavigation transmitter by flight personnel;
(2) Test an emergency locator transmitter or a survival craft station used solely for survival purposes;
(3) Operate an aeronautical enroute station which automatically transmits digital communications to aircraft stations;
(4) Operate a VHF telephony transmitter providing domestic service or used on domestic flights.

Bob Gardner
SAY AGAIN, PLEASE
 
drgwentzel said:
I believe the Radiotelephone Operator Permit does not expire, but the radio station license for the airplane expires in one year. But...I'm not completely sure.

I flew to the Bahamas and was never asked for either. Same for Canada. I landed in Nassau and St. Catherine's.

Gene
Click to expand...

Wrong. It lives as long as the airplane is registered.

Bob Gardner
 
bobmrg said:
Wrong. It lives as long as the airplane is registered.
Click to expand...
Per 47 CFR 87.27, the term of the aircraft radio station license is 10 years or change of ownership, whichever comes first. The RRTO term is the life of the holder.
 
bahama flier said:
JM, it looks like you have your questions answered, but just be warned, things are changing in the Bahamas all the time. Their laws and regulations change overnight with no warning. Americans are seen to be money makers for the Government, and they continually look at ways to get more out of travelers there.

Its is true no one checks for a radio license for you or your airplane at this time, but in writing, it is required.

It does not take much to get your required license, a fellow flier has posted the way to get it.

It would not surprise me to arrive one day and be asked for mine, if not they may have a fine waiting, only to raise money for the Government.

The Bahamas Government is just as corrupt as ours, and are continually trying to get as much of our money as they can.

Get your License as time permits, you never know..
Click to expand...

JasonM said:
thanks Bahama flier. I'll get to the paper work then. :sigh:
Click to expand...
Okay, now that you got the answer you were searching for, you can now chase the paperwork.

I've only made one trip to the Bahamas and will be taking a 2nd in a few months. I had the distinct impression that the Bahamas is quite welcoming to private aviation. Everyone I had contact with was friendly, helpful and by the book. To my surprise I found "Pilot's Bill of Rights" hung in several customs offices. No one asked for extra fees and I was unable to tip the young man who moved our luggage thru customs. All fees and procedures were exactly as described on various official and unofficial Web sites including the point about the radio licenses being required but not being checked.

Bahamas Flyer, you obviously have more experience than I, but where and when have you encountered corruption, mis-appliciation of the regs or general difficulties? Has it occurred recently? What am I missing other than 'things change'?

Bill "bring cash, your own tiedowns and slow the f**k down in the Bahamas" Watson
 
Okay I have a really stupid question here, who requires FCC licenses for international operations? Is it the FCC, or the locals?

It seems that if you were operating internationally, you would be out of the FCC's jurisdiction, therefore s license would be moot as far as the U.S. is concerned.
 
Sac Arrow said:
Okay I have a really stupid question here, who requires FCC licenses for international operations? Is it the FCC, or the locals?

It seems that if you were operating internationally, you would be out of the FCC's jurisdiction, therefore s license would be moot as far as the U.S. is concerned.
Click to expand...

The other countries, which have their own rules that you are bound to follow.

Bob Gardner
 
Sac Arrow said:
Okay I have a really stupid question here, who requires FCC licenses for international operations? Is it the FCC, or the locals?
Click to expand...
Both, but the FCC never checks on private light GA flights. And as I said, the Canadians and Bahamians don't care.
It seems that if you were operating internationally, you would be out of the FCC's jurisdiction, therefore s license would be moot as far as the U.S. is concerned.
Click to expand...
Might seem that way, but if you read the regs quoted above, you'll see that the no-license clause is limited to domestic operations. But as I said, I've never heard of anyone from the FCC hanging around airports of entry checking for this, and the FAA refuses to engage in the enforcement of FCC rules. As for CBP, they have a LOA with the FAA to check certain FAA documents for the FAA, but to my knowledge, nothing like that with the FCC.
 
Ron Levy said:
Both, but the FCC never checks on private light GA flights. And as I said, the Canadians and Bahamians don't care.
Might seem that way, but if you read the regs quoted above, you'll see that the no-license clause is limited to domestic operations. But as I said, I've never heard of anyone from the FCC hanging around airports of entry checking for this, and the FAA refuses to engage in the enforcement of FCC rules. As for CBP, they have a LOA with the FAA to check certain FAA documents for the FAA, but to my knowledge, nothing like that with the FCC.
Click to expand...

It's not a big deal, and it's not likely to affect me in the near future but the logic just sounds off. I can understand other countries wanting a certification of competence and/or equipment readiness, but the FCC licences in this case are not. I can understand them wanting to issue a RTO or a site operations license for their own country so they can get the fee.

I know, I know... logic....FCC/FAA and their foreign equivalents....
 
Sac Arrow said:
Okay I have a really stupid question here, who requires FCC licenses for international operations? Is it the FCC, or the locals?

It seems that if you were operating internationally, you would be out of the FCC's jurisdiction, therefore s license would be moot as far as the U.S. is concerned.
Click to expand...

ICAO.........
 
Just looed at my radio station authorization and it's good for 10 years
 
Ron Levy said:
The Bahamians do not require either the operator or station license. Only if you go further out (like the Turks & Caicos) do the licenses become required by the locals.
Click to expand...

I have never been asked for them. Turks and Caicos, Windward and Leeward Islands, Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, Central America down to Panama, Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, Canada and gazillion other places. No one cares but the Americans.
Stephen.
 
Bonanza said:
I have never been asked for them. Turks and Caicos
Click to expand...
You can stop there -- I was asked when I was there. Well, not "asked" -- required to produce. At Providenciales, to be exact. While you may not have been asked, it is a legal requirement throughout the Caribbean beyond the Bahamas. Check the AOPA International Flying pages or ask the experts at Fort Pierce if you need confirmation.
 
Ron Levy said:
You can stop there -- I was asked when I was there. Well, not "asked" -- required to produce. At Providenciales, to be exact. While you may not have been asked, it is a legal requirement throughout the Caribbean beyond the Bahamas. Check the AOPA International Flying pages or ask the experts at Fort Pierce if you need confirmation.
Click to expand...

You must have been very unlucky or looked like you were someone shifty -probably the latter :D
I flew into Ambergis, Pine Cay and Salt Cay in my Bonanza and another trip into Ambergis and Providenciales delivering a PAC12.
Like I said, never got asked for anything including License,insurance, Medical etc only Passport and a Gen Dec. But then as a New Zealand Citizen I may get more favorable treatment even though the aircraft were US registered.
Stephen.
Correction: I just checked my log book. The PAC 12 was Australian registered so it doesn't count.
 
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Bonanza said:
You must have been very unlucky or looked like you were someone shifty -probably the latter :D
I flew into Ambergis, Pine Cay and Salt Cay in my Bonanza and another trip into Ambergis and Providenciales delivering a PAC12.
Like I said, never got asked for anything including License,insurance, Medical etc only Passport and a Gen Dec. But then as a New Zealand Citizen I may get more favorable treatment even though the aircraft were US registered.
Stephen.
Correction: I just checked my log book. The PAC 12 was Australian registered so it doesn't count.
Click to expand...
I think, then, that our experiences suggest that while it's possible you will not be asked for those documents, you should still have them with you because you might be required to produce them. And there is no doubt that T&C and the rest of the Caribbean beyond the Bahamas do have regulations requiring them -- just ask AOPA's International Flying folks.
 
Datadriver said:
:eek:
That was the single most painful website I have ever used. Would have been completely lost without your steps.Pop-ups, redirects to other sites, randomly logging you off, etc.

:yikes:

If you didn't select RR but instead chose something obvious but strangely wrong like "General Aviation" or "Airplane" you almost get billed for $165.

RR is $65 these days...
Click to expand...

AMEN! THANK YOU for the step-by-step. That was definitely tortuous to navigate without the crib sheet.

Fee is still $65 as of today. Done. Easy-peasy with that guide, steps are still valid.
 
RotorAndWing said:
ICAO.........
Click to expand...
Correct, it's an international req. The FAA and FCC don't give two cents whether you have it.

For clarification you need both an RR and a ststion (airplane) permit.
 
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