Air Ground Operator
| 16 November 2010
Air Ground Operator
The term ‘Radio Operator’s Certificate’ is used to describe the CAA Air Ground Communication Service (AGCS) and Offshore Communication Service (OCS) Radio Station Operator’s Certificate of Competence.
The AGCS Radio Operator’s Certificate is required to be held by those persons who operate VHF aeronautical radio equipment in Aeronautical Radio Stations providing an AGCS at an aerodrome or other location in the UK.
The OCS Radio Operator’s Certificate is required to be held by offshore radio operators, Helideck Landing Officers (HLO), Helideck assistants, crews of Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRV) and persons on other support or supply vessels who are required to operate VHF aeronautical radio equipment within UK Offshore waters.
The Radio Operator’s Certificate should not be confused with the Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) which is required to be held by those persons operating VHF aeronautical radio equipment in UK registered aircraft.
AGCS and OCS Radio Operator’s Certificates
Persons who hold the following aeronautical qualifications may apply directly for an AGCS or OCS Radio Operator’s Certificate without having to take the written and practical radiotelephony examinations:
- UK CAA Air Traffic Controller’s Licence with a current Unit Licence Endorsement
- UK CAA Flight Information Service Officer’s Licence with a current validation at an Aerodrome/Area Control Centre
- ATC Certificate of Competence issued to a member of HM Forces
Please note that a Medical Certificate is not required to be held by a person acting as an AGCS or OCS Radio Operator.
ACGS Radio Operator’s Certificate
A written and practical radiotelephony examination will need to be taken before an application for an AGCS Radio Operator’s Certificate can be made.
OCS Radio Operator’s Certificate
Persons who hold the following maritime qualifications may apply for exemption from the practical examination for an OCS Radio Operator’s Certificate but will need to take the written examination:
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC)
- GMDSS Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC)
- Long Range Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate (LRC)
- First and Second Class Radio Electronic Operator’s Certificates
Pre-GMDSS
- Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate
- Radiotelephone Operator’s General Certificate
- Maritime Radio communication General Certificate (MRGC)
- First and Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificates (Postmaster General (PMG) 1 and Postmaster General (PMG) 2)
Please note that the Restricted (VHF only) Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate is not acceptable.
Otherwise a written and practical examination will need to be taken before an application for an OCS Radio Operator’s Certificate can be made.
Written and Practical Radiotelephony Examinations for the AGCS and OCS Radio Operator’s Certificate
The CAA appoints and authorises examiners to conduct written and practical radiotelephony examinations for the AGCS and OCS Radio Operator’s Certificates either independently or in conjunction with organisations providing training courses.
- List of CAA Authorised Examiners – Air Ground Communication Service (AGCS)
- List of CAA Authorised Examiners – Offshore Communication Service (OCS)
Please note that the CAA does not approve any training courses for the Radio Operator’s Certificates, or any organisations or persons that may provide them.
Please note that the person or organisation responsible for the operation of an Aeronautical Radio Station in the UK will need to apply to Air Traffic Standards for an Air Navigation Order (ANO) Approval and to the Radio Licensing Section for a Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act Licence.
- Applications for ANO Approval are subject to a technical assessment of the radio equipment to be used, the purpose of the communications required and other factors on an individual basis.
- Suitably qualified Radio Operators may be engaged by the person or organisation responsible for such Aeronautical Radio Stations to operate the radio equipment subject to a written authorsation, which is generally by means of an endorsement of the Radio Operator’s Certificate by the WT Act Licensee for that Aeronautical Radio Station.
Please note that if you are the person or representative of an organisation who will be responsible for the operation of an Aeronautical Radio Station in the UK and have not already applied for and been granted an ANO Approval and WT Act Licence, you are strongly advised to contact Air Traffic Standards before undertaking any training course or arranging any examinations to see whether an application for an ANO approval is likely to be successful.
Further Information
