Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permits

[Confuzzled]

Many moons ago, I had to get one when I was taking flying lessons, but now, it appears they aren't required for domestic VHF use.

I also remember that police and fire used to be required to have them (back in the 60s or so). From what I recall, only fire department drivers and officers got them issued meaning that firefighters were not allowed to use the apparatus radios.

I'm guessing that's not the case any more though either.

 

[evfd1625]

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I think now a days you are just covered under the blanket call sign license. I know for our public safety radio systems we don't have to have anything special other than to keep a copy of the FCC license in a conspicuous location.

 

[n5ims]

You are correct, they were required at one time and named the "Third Class Radio Operator's License". There was even a "broadcast endorsement" that was required for your local DJ to perform the hourly transmitter checks (without this the station engineer or another licensed person had to perform the checks). It was a fairly simple test so it wasn't hard to get, but did require a trip to your local FCC office.

When this was retired, it was replaced by the "Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit", that wasn't much more than a postcard that you mailed in to the FCC, they stamped it and mailed it back. No test, only filling out a very brief form and mailing it in. This is why the name changed from a "license" to a "permit". Much of the need for this permit went away when the operator's license was combined into the station license. The permit still exists (in two forms no less!), however, but has very limited use:

For those that fully qualify --> Commercial Radio Operator License Program: Types of Licenses: Restricted Radiotelephone
For those that don't really qualify, but still need the permit --> Commercial Radio Operator License Program: Types of Licenses: Restricted Radiotelephone - Limited Use