Greek laws on airband scanners

[H4rryTheATC]

Hi all.

I am on holiday in Greece and I arrive back on the 19th of April. I have an airband scanner and I used it to listen to ATC on my way out of England (it made it through Airport security with SOME hesitation from the security officers). I’d like to know on the current laws on frequency monitoring/receiving with a receiver in Greece.

I can’t find anything (Such as a legislation which I am used to in my home country; EG - The Wireless Telegraphy Act) on this topic.
I am very knowledgable about frequency bands and legislation but I can’t find anything in Greece about it.

(I am planning to listen to ATC on my departure out of Rhodes International Airport) I asked on this because all online forums are useless and ham radio nerds like myself tend to know more than random sources on Google. Do you know anything? Can anyone help me?

-Harry

 

[MStep]

Hi all.

I am on holiday in Greece and I arrive back on the 19th of April. I have an airband scanner and I used it to listen to ATC on my way out of England (it made it through Airport security with SOME hesitation from the security officers). I’d like to know on the current laws on frequency monitoring/receiving with a receiver in Greece.

I can’t find anything (Such as a legislation which I am used to in my home country; EG - The Wireless Telegraphy Act) on this topic.
I am very knowledgable about frequency bands and legislation but I can’t find anything in Greece about it.

(I am planning to listen to ATC on my departure out of Rhodes International Airport) I asked on this because all online forums are useless and ham radio nerds like myself tend to know more than random sources on Google. Do you know anything? Can anyone help me?

-Harry

Perhaps you might have some luck checking the European forum here on RadioReference:

Europe Radio Discussion Forum

Forum for discussion of Radio Information in Europe.

forums.radioreference.com

 

[G7RUX]

Hi all.

I am on holiday in Greece and I arrive back on the 19th of April. I have an airband scanner and I used it to listen to ATC on my way out of England (it made it through Airport security with SOME hesitation from the security officers). I’d like to know on the current laws on frequency monitoring/receiving with a receiver in Greece.

I can’t find anything (Such as a legislation which I am used to in my home country; EG - The Wireless Telegraphy Act) on this topic.
I am very knowledgable about frequency bands and legislation but I can’t find anything in Greece about it.

(I am planning to listen to ATC on my departure out of Rhodes International Airport) I asked on this because all online forums are useless and ham radio nerds like myself tend to know more than random sources on Google. Do you know anything? Can anyone help me?

-Harry

You *shouldn’t* have an issue carrying a scanner through security and customs checks. However, I would really recommend not using the receiver in the airport and definitely not on the aircraft. Bear in mind that receiving any service not intended for general reception and that you do not have a permit for is not legal in the UK, so this includes air band radio (if you don’t hold the relevant certificates.) We enjoy a fairly “light touch” regulator in this regard in the UK but it easy to overstep what you can get away with. Other jurisdictions are not the same.

Greek authorities are rather less flexible and forgiving than those in the UK in many regards, especially around airfields and aviation in general. Many airfields in Greece (as well as many other countries) serve a dual purpose and have a military presence. This means the relevant authorities may well be rather less accepting, however innocent your motives.

In short, the radio should be fine but have it off and in your bag when around the airport.

For reference, as a full UK licence holder I often take radio gear with me when heading abroad but, and this is a big point, I have a licence and associated CEPT/HAREC documents I carry with me should there be questions asked. I have not taken a scanning receiver with me, largely because my ham radio kit can do that if I want it to but also because some countries have legislation which would be triggered by something like a scanner. Indeed in some countries in the Middle East, the word “receiver” printed on the front panel can cause problems!

 

[jaspence]

Wish others would answer with clear factual information like G7RUX.

 

[G7RUX]

Wish others would answer with clear factual information like G7RUX.

You’re welcome. I tend to try to take a pragmatic view of things.

I have requested a detailed response on this specific question from the Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission so I shall tell you what they say when I get a reply.