Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate
The Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) allows you to use an Air Band Radio.
The AROC course is independent of the Remote Pilot Licence (UAV Controller Certificate or Drone Licence). This means you do not require the radio certificate to complete the RPAS drone training course and receive your drone licence (RePL).
If you decide to obtain your own, or work under someone else’s Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC or UOC), the Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate is highly recommended for drone pilots covered under that operation in controlled airspace or near non-towered aerodromes.
You are required to obtain the English Language Proficiency as well to be able to apply for your AROC from CASA. We are able to provide both the AROC and ELP training / assessments. On successful completion of both, we submit your application to CASA for you and cover the CASA fees in our cost.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion of the Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) course (and the English Language Proficiency Assessment), you will receive a CASA issued certificate .
Certificate Uses (Why do I need it?)
As stated in Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) 101.285 (1, 2) the Remote Pilot must hold an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate in order to operate within Controlled Airspace (Airports with Air Traffic Controllers [Tower]). In addition, if the Remote Pilot intends to hold the position of Chief Remote Pilot under an ReOC, he or she will need to also hold the AROC and ELP.
In addition, UAV Operator Certificate holders may obtain Area Approvals or Instruments (Permits) which will require the use of the Air Radio (CASR 101.285 (3-8)):
- Operate near Aerodromes (Airport, Helipad, Approved Landing Area, etc)
- Operate at night
- Operate above 400ft (121.9m)
- Operations with special conditions or requirements
Course Outline
When completing an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate course you will be required to complete both theoretical and practical assessments.
The theory components will require you to:
- Identify basic radio components and how to setup a radio in order to maintain ground to air communications.
- Understand basic technical knowledge such as characteristics of radio waves, wave transmission and what will affect reception.
- Know the rules and responsibilities in accordance with government guidelines.
Practical elements of the course include demonstrating and practicing the use of correct phraseology and phonetics. This includes, pronunciation of phonetic alphabet and numbers, the correct use of aircraft callsigns, transmission of numbers and time and other procedural requirements.
The ELP assessment is based on the GELP or AELP6 requirements as required by CASA.
Requirements
To ensure that Radio Operators are able to be understood, CASA require that you also complete an English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment.
This may be included with the Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate course, if you do not hold the ELP.
Pricing:
The Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate fee includes the lodgement fee to CASA. The English Language Proficiency (ELP) is an additional fee. Once your Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate has been issued, there are no ongoing costs as your licence is perpetual.
We accept Bank Transfer, PayPal, Visa, Master Card and AMEX without any surcharge. In addition, we can do Purchase Orders with payment terms (typical for government and large organisations).
Additional Information
It should be noted that ACMA are responsible for radio broadcasts, therefore the Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate / radio is also governed by ACMA regulations – Aircraft Licences.
CASR 101.285 USE OF AERONAUTICAL RADIO (CONTROLLED AIRSPACE)
(1) A person may control a UAV in controlled airspace only if he or she:
(a) holds an aeronautical radio operator certificate; and
(b) maintains a listening watch on a specified frequency or frequencies; and
(c) makes broadcasts on a specified frequency or frequencies at the specified interval giving the specified information.
Penalty: 25 penalty units.
Note: This Subpart does not apply to the operation of micro UAVs—see subregulation 101.235(3).
(2) In subregulation (1):
specified frequency for particular airspace means a frequency specified from time to time in AIP or by ATC as a frequency for use in the airspace.
specified information for particular airspace means information specified from time to time in AIP or by ATC as information that must be broadcast in the airspace.
specified interval for particular airspace means the interval specified from time to time in AIP or by ATC as the interval at which broadcasts must be made while in that airspace.
(3) CASA may direct that a particular person must not control a UAV unless the person:
(a) holds an aeronautical radio operator certificate; and
(b) maintains a listening watch on a frequency or frequencies specified in the direction; and
(c) makes broadcasts:
(i) on a frequency or frequencies; and
(ii) at intervals; and
(iii) giving information—
specified in the direction.
(4) The person must comply with the direction.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
(5) CASA may direct, in regard to a particular UAV or type of UAV, that a person must not control the UAV, or a UAV of that type, unless he or she:
(a) holds an aeronautical radio operator certificate; and
(b) maintains a listening watch on a frequency or frequencies specified in the direction; and
(c) makes broadcasts:
(i) on a frequency or frequencies; and
(ii) at intervals; and
(iii) giving information—specified in the direction.
(6) The person must comply with the direction.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
(7) For subregulations (3) and (5), CASA may specify that a frequency is to be a frequency specified under paragraph 99A(3)(b) of CAR for a particular area or aerodrome.
(8) An offence against subregulation (1), (4) or (6) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.