Want to go to Canada in a few weeks. Completely forgot to get a Radio Operators Licence. Shall I just not sweat it?

Tim

Two years ago when I did it, it came in less than 'a few weeks' so I would just apply for it. Since you asked. But nobody ever asked about it, either, so based on my experience it may not be much of an issue...but that's based on a sample size of one...

I doubt it will be a big problem (though I have mine I was never asked for it when flying US to CA). If you want to get it it is about 100 questions and you take it through industry Canada, easy, if you have a student pilots license you shouldn't even have a problem.

I'm in Canada now and was never asked for mine. I would'nt sweat it.

-Brad

From the FCCs site:
Licensing
On October 25, 1996, the FCC released a Report and Order in WT Docket No. 96-82 eliminating the individual licensing requirement for all aircraft, including scheduled air carriers, air taxis and general aviation aircraft operating domestically. This means that you do not need a license to operate a two-way VHF radio, radar, or emergency locator transmitter (ELT) aboard aircraft operating domestically. All other aircraft radio stations must be licensed by the FCC either individually or by fleet.

Have been through Canada many times and don't think I've ever been asked for it. Having said that, I do have one, because I don't want to be stuck on stupid somewhere, having to explain why I didn't think a certain requirement applied to me...
You can do it online, and I'm willing to bet that like re-registering your vehicle online, you will get a confirmation of it immediately. In a pinch it must be better than nothing. You want form 605c which is the one for the aircraft, although if you're really excited you might get the one for the pilot as well. The license for the ship is now $110.

If memory serves me right, the license for the ship is good for ten years, and the license for the operator is good forever.

I might add that for traveling north I have a small file protector that has my passport, radio licenses, aircraft insurance info, past customs receipts, and all past gun registrations for Canada. It stays in a safe at home and is ready to go whenever I am. I have never been hassled on either side, I guess there is something to be said for having your stuff together when you show up...

Take care, Rob


http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home

I travel in and out of Canada frequently and have never been asked. Steve

I got both radio station and radio operator licenses, as they are both still on the books for international flight. I don't remember much about it, and I don't remember answering any questions other than just filling out an application. But it was a US, not Canadian, radio operator license.

I suppose the form may have changed in the last 40 years, but if I remember correctly (no comments), you keep half the form which lets you operate a radio while waiting for the permit to find it's way back to you.

Tim
Stay away from Cut Bank Montana and you should be fine. They have the old US forms that require one, and they wont see it any other way. My plane was built after the rule change and never had one, the helpfull prick at the customs office said I was about to go to jail.
Spent 6 hrs there that day arguing, I determined that is the place they send the feds that got in trouble someplace else, instead of just firing them.
Now I think he is in Whithorse warming up to the locals

Can Pass has no requirement for a radio license.

Read the forms and it is not required in the States. If what Mr Scout is right and can pas does not require it, then this discusion is a mute point.

Tim

The radio station license is an ICAO requirement. Thus, if you never LEAVE the US, you don't need one (ICAO rules don't apply within a country's borders unless that country adopts them, and the US has not), but if you cross International borders, you are required to have one, under ICAO rules.

Do the Canadians care??? I have no idea. I have one, but have never been asked for it.

Again, I suspect that nothing bad will happen unless something bad happens.

MTV

I have made three trips to Mexico and Baja Bush Pilots always said that mexico did not require one.

Tim

I don't think Canada gives a shit either.

I've had one since I was a student pilot 40 years ago now, and in all the border crossings no one has ever asked to see the license. Of course Murphy's Law states otherwise.

Gump

After little reasearch and advise from a host of expets (this forum), I have made up my mind. My plan of action is as follows:

1 Procrastinate as long as possible
2 Then forget about it tell the morning that I leave
3 Just go anyway without the licence and feal guilty that I have not applied for it along with the fee (a waste like most fees)
4 Forget the guilt and just have a good time anyway
5 Take Scout's advice and stay away from Cut Bank
6 On returning give a full report to the host of experts

Tim

Mr Scout. I agree with you about avoiding Cut Bank. This year we also avoided Whitehorse by doing Dawson City and Sobey, Mt was by far the best customs experience I ever had. In the future, that is all I will use.

I asked the officer how many cars they have on an average day? His answer was 10!. So I ask how many airplanes? His answer was 10 / YEAR! We were two, or 20% of the yearly work load for them.

What if there's a Canadian Customs official lurking on this thread? Now what??

If there is a Canadian official monitoring this site, he is probably enjoying a Labatt's Blue, while wading through the bull. Steve

Maybe a Lethbridge Pilsner.

Tim