FCC Radio Station License

[ncdmtb]

When an aircraft is registered to a new holder, is it neccessary to apply for a new FCC Radio Station License.

Note: the aircraft is N-registered, but based in Germany, i.e. international.

 

-Nick

[neilpilot]

A change in ownership does require a new FCC Form 605 application - the license becomes void when the aircraft is sold.

[chrisk]

Fortunately this is one of the things that has improved over time.   You only need the radio license if you fly internationally.  For those that do, $160 for the plane every 10 years and $60 for the pilot (just one time).   --I'm not really sure why 2 sheets of paper cost $220, but it does....

[ncdmtb]

Thanks! Since the plane is operating internationally, I will get the FCC Form 605 rolling….

[201er]

For what it's worth, I've flown to about 10 countries internationally and not a single one ever thought to check my radio license which I have but may have forgotten at home.

[ncdmtb]

Some more information for our "international flying friends":

I applied for Radio Station License via the website. I was somewhat irritated, since it did not accept my address. The system insisted I use a US address format, but I live in Germany. When I applied for my Radio Operators License I had no issue entering a foreign address and my FRN account has my foreign address on record.

So I gave them a call to clarify. They explained to me, that it is common for foreign pilots holding FAA licenses to apply for a radio station license so that is covered. When it comes to N-registered aircraft however the reasoning is, they need to be registered in the US, hence the requirement to only accept a US address; the actual requirement however, is that the holder needs to be US citizen and place of residence/registration is irrelevant. Which brings me to "my use case": a US citizen living in foreign country can register an aircraft with the FAA at a foreign homebase/holder's address. This is not covered by the FCC. So they advised my to use the address of my sister in the US - she will then need to send the license to me. All related correspondance, will however also go to her.

[kortopates]

Is there really any requirement in Europe for the FCC licenses and are you really certain anyone will even care enough to ask you for them? I have yet to hear of a country on our side of the Atlantic that cares so curious if your just being cautious or have a real need.

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[ncdmtb]

In the past year I have had 2 ramp checks in Germany. There were both quite thorough. They did not I showed them all the docs, so I am not sure if I would have held anything back, if they would have asked. But it's a lot easier just to have the stuff in order to avoid hassle. I hear that the Swiss can be quite difficult.

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[chrisk]

Yes the Germans and Swiss have a reputation for following rules.  I remember riding with a German on the Autobahn.  When the speedometer hit 265 KM/hr, the acceleration stopped.  When I asked why, his comment was:  "The tires are not rated for any speed above this" .  Its a country where you can drive this fast in the right hand lane, and one where you can get a ticket for doing it in the left hand lane if you are not passing.

[Awful_Charlie]

I have a similar problem - UK passport holder, living in Switzerland, N-reg plane, based in France! It does throw up many problems, but fortunately for me, the trust company I use (Southern Aircraft) handle not only the registration, but also the aircraft radio licence.  Maybe you can have a word with your trust company if you haven't managed to get it resolved?

 

Not sure if you have managed to resolve the Noise Certificate issue - it seems as though you have to make your own, but there are so many figures about, it is rather difficult to work out which ones to use. I currently carry three different versions, and hope that will keep any inspector at bay!

 

Ben

[ncdmtb]

Thanks Ben. Fortunately I do not need a trust, since I am a US citizen. That is what is adding some complexity, since the partnership that previously owned the aircraft also had a trust. So the aircraft is actually registered with a german address.

I am not familiar with the noise certificates ;-) Any advice you have for me on what makes sense to do?

Nick

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[Awful_Charlie]

Sorry Nick, I missed your reference to being a US citizen earlier.  Noise certificates - hmmm. Most useful in Germany, you'll often get asked for one when you pay the landing fee. You're unlikely to get a discount though, unless you have a non-standard silencer or quiet prop.  For noise certs, see FAA AC 91-86 http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC%2091-86%20.pdf Technically, you need to carry one to be legal! I've had a few problems trying to create one as noted in http://mooneyspace.com/topic/5967-noise-certificates/ and received plenty of ideas, but no-one seems to know the definitive answer, hence I still carry three!

 

Ramp checks in my experience are normally just a rather tedious process - they're out doing their job and being rude is not going to make it any easier. On the advice of another N reg flyer, I carry a small folder with copies of the documents as well as the originals - I let them keep a copy if I think it will expedite my escape    One that has caused problems for others is the C88 (or equivalent) VAT certificate - without that you could be asked asked to pay at the rate of the country where you get inspected, and that might burn a slightly larger hole in your pocket than you anticipate

[jlunseth]

Just a footnote.  You don't need either an individual or a station license unless you fly out of the country.  You do need both if you leave the US.  When I got mine, I found it incredibly difficult to purchase both on the government website.  I don't remember how I did it, but I had to email their service support to get it to work.  All I can say is perservere, it is there, but like all government websites, it is incredibly badly done.

[neilpilot]

When I started to fly in 1971, I picked up a radiotelephone license that does not have an expiration date.  Does it still suffice as the individual license?

[kortopates]

Just a footnote. You don't need either an individual or a station license unless you fly out of the country. You do need both if you leave the US. When I got mine, I found it incredibly difficult to purchase both on the government website. I don't remember how I did it, but I had to email their service support to get it to work. All I can say is perservere, it is there, but like all government websites, it is incredibly badly done.

The reality is, no one in North America or Central America will care if you have the FCC licenses.

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