FRTOL

 Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence

We offer online training for the FRTOL exam.

We can also provide FRTOL examiners at your ATO for testing.

  • As a flight instructor for 17 years, and a FRTOL examiner I offer training over zoom to complete your UK CAA FRTOL exam.

    Most pilots who have completed their QCC will need about 1.5 hours. Get in touch to find out more. Bookings@frtol.co.uk

    What Is FRTOL?

    The  Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence allows you to use the radio in a UK registered aircraft in UK airspace. Up to this point you have probably been training using your instructors licence. (Even when you have been flying solo)

    It can be a standalone licence, however it is normally included in your Part FCL pilots licence.

    What do I need to apply for the test?

    You will need to be at least 14 years old.

    You must have passed the UK communications exam within the last 24 months (if not your examiner can set you a written communications paper instead.)

    You must be able to demonstrate at least a level 4 in English language.

    You will need a current VFR chart along with pens, rulers etc.

    You must also read Cap2325 from the UK CAA website. This document will guide you through the process of the exam and explain how the exam will be delivered to you.

    You will lastly need a form completed SRG1171 by your instructor. It is not possible to take the test without this form. I can supply this form for you as part of your zoom training with me.

    How does the actual test work?

    Your examiner will give you a summary of a flight for you to draw on your VFR chart. You may choose which chart to use, (Scotland , SE England etc.)

    You will not have to calculate headings or ETA’s and there is no maths required on this test. Instead you will plan who you are going to call, and what you are going to say. You will typically have about 20 minutes to plan this. You will be given a frequency reference card so that you may lookup the frequency’s you wish to use. You are also given an RTF Aide Memoire that is contained in Appendix A of CAP2325

    During the test you will be in separate rooms, and you will have some form of push to talk button. Your examiner will pretend to be air traffic control and you will make the appropriate radio calls that you would do on the ground and in flight.

    A typical route would need you to call for taxi instructions, then report ready for departure. You normally have to cross several different airspaces that require radio calls. (Class D, ATZ’s MATZ etc) before finally joining the circuit at another airfield.

    Expect to get a bit lost on the way and have to ascertain your position on the radio.

    Also expect to have to deal with some form of in flight emergency requiring you to use the radio.

    At the end of the assessment you will have a question and answer session with your examiner. This will be conducted in normal English and the examiner will ask you questions like “what would you squawk if your radio failed” etc.

    The whole assessment is recorded and sent to the CAA, however your examiner will pass you on the day. There is no need for you to wait for the CAA to listen to the recording.

    At the end of the test you will be given a short presentation by your examiner on the current “hot topic.”

    What do I do once I have passed the FRTOL test?

    You will need to apply for your FRTOL when you apply for your UK PPL. The form the examiner gave you should be uploaded to the website where you upload the flight skills test form.

    I’m applying to convert my UK pilot licence to an EASA pilot licence. Will EASA accept my UK FRTOL?

    At the time of writing most EASA states will accept your UK FRTOL as an EASA RT licence, as it is an ICAO compliant licence. EASA will not accept your UK level 6 in English Language proficiency. Our Friends over at Soaring Above LTD, can issue you with an EASA English Language proficiency exam (ELP.) The exam is delivered by zoom and accepted by EASA.