Radios and Airsports

Anyone participating in air sports such as Gliding, Paragliding or Ballooning already appreciates the role of radio communication equipment. Safety is of paramount importance in all these sports. The use of radio equipment reinforces that personal level of security (it is always good to have someone at the end of the radio just in case something should go wrong) but more importantly assists in flight planning. Radios save lives and the purchase of the right piece of equipment is a worthwhile investment.

However safety can be compromised through the use of incorrect equipment. Not only can the use of ‘unapproved’ equipment lead to interference being caused to other users but also the people using it may themselves be guilty of an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 as it enforces the Air Navigation Order.

Radio usage continues to increase worldwide but frequency space is limited and 'safety of life services' such as the Aeronautical service is managed to ensure their efficacy. Consequently, in order to provide the highest standard of service to all users equipment must meet agreed technical and performance standards.

There is a tendency amongst a minority of aviation enthusiasts to use Amateur radio equipment. This has several inherent dangers;

1. The equipment is not approved for use in the aviation band, i.e. its use is illegal, leaving the user liable to fines*, confiscation of equipment and possibly even imprisonment.
2. The user of Amateur radio equipment is also required to hold the relevant Amateur radio licence, which entails having passed qualifications such as the NRAE or RAE.
3. The equipment does not meet the same technical standard as approved Aeronautical equipment and may not be relied on in an emergency.
4. It is not possible to communicate with other aviation users, pilots, and ground stations or receive broadcasts from control towers etc.

Jon Brooks, Icom Aviation Dealer Manager said, 'Although using Amateur band equipment for airborne comms might seem like a cheap alternative, in the end it could even cost you the ultimate price'.

He went on to say, 'I believe that there are some people who really do not know what the law is regarding radio use. It is up to us as an industry, the BMAA the RA, and the RSGB to get over the options available and make the end user/enthusiast aware of all of their options'.

07/03/2006