First: Do you need one?  

If you only fly in the continental United States then the answer is no.  If you're considering a flying adventure to/through Mexico/Canada or to the Bahamas, then the answer is yes.  If you are a flight instructor I highly recommend you obtain one.

Who's going to check?

According to my clients, Customs and Border Agents are beginning to check FAA/FCC documents so it's becoming more important.

The FAA does not enforce FCC rules or vice-versa.  I've never been asked in over 30-years. However, it might be your dumb bad luck that you run across a border agent (theirs or ours) who just broke up with their significant other and is looking to take it out on someone.  

The instructions below assume you are a non-commercial operator and that you are flying a private aircraft.

First you must register with the FCC in the Universal Licensing System (ULS). They will assign you a number/password for you to access the system. The number is similar to your pilot certificate number and will stay with you for life. If you already have an FCC license use the FRN you already have.  

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

Write it down somewhere.....

After you get your FRN, you go back to the home page and log into the system for on-line filing.

You need to do two things:

First you need the Restricted Radio Operators (RR) permit.

This one is a lifetime issue.

You'll fill out a form 605 for a new issue.

Item 1 will be RR

Item 2 will be NE

Items 3 N

Items 4 thru 6 blank

Items 7 and 8 N

Item 9 will be that FRN number you got a few minutes ago.

Item 10 will be individual

Item 11 your name. (You're not updating so 12 is blank and 13 is N)

Items 14 thru 25 blank

Items 26 and 27 N

Skip to item 28 and fill in the rest.

You will also complete schedule E

Item 1 Operator class is Restricted Radiotelephone operators permit (RR)

Item 2 NA

Item 3 Self Explanatory

Check the block for the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.

Once that's complete you will fill out a form 159 on-line and send the FCC $60 via credit card.

The receipt you print will serve as a temporary permit until the real deal shows up in the mail.

The second filing is for the aircraft.

This one is good for 10-years but is not transferrable.

If you bought an aircraft that already had one, it's of no use to you.

You'll fill out another form 605 for a new issue.

Item 1 will be AC (Aircraft)

Item 2 will be NE (New)

Items 3 N

Items 4 thru 6 blank

Items 7 and 8 N

Item 9 will be your FRN number.

Item 10 will be as appropriate per your situation

Item 11 your name if individual, blank if a legal entity

Item 12 Name of entity if applicable

Item 13 N

Items 14 thru 23 as applicable

Item 24 blank

Item 25 the aircraft registration number WITHOUT the N

Item 26/27 N

Item 28 thru 30 Complete

You will also complete schedule C

Item 1 Yes

Item 2 N number

Item 3 Self Explanatory

Item 4 N If you want to come back and register you hand-held you can do it later.

Item 5 P for Private Aircraft.

Once that is complete you will fill out another form 159 on line and send the FCC $160 via credit card.

 

The receipt you print serves as a temporary permit until the real deal shows up in the mail.

If you have no plans to travel there is no reason to rush because you can do it the day of departure.

Prices are subject to change.