RT Licence.
With some prior preparation, you can in a one day (or two half
days) 'brush up' session cover all the theory and practical requirements
of the Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence FRTOL (VHF &
HF). After training is complete, the written and practical tests
are conducted by our resident UK CAA-authorized examiner. The
results will be known immediately.
Then we send your completed application form
to the CAA, who issue the licence. Usually we limit the number
of students in each of our RT classes to TWO at a time. This is
because the practical test, when conducted, requires about 2 hours
set aside for each candidate.
Details
The course, written examination papers and the practical test
are conducted entirely in English. Therefore it is important for
students to have a reasonable command of the English language..
If you are not certain about your level of English, we will help
you find out quite easily!. Simply phone us, (or send for further
details and
Price
lists) and we will tell you after one or two
minutes of conversation if you are at a suitable level to take
the standard course. Before attending a course you should first
obtain a copy of the CAA publication CAP413. You can either buy
a copy, or alternatively download a PDF-file from the internet
- see our References section below.
CAP413 is the "bible" of radio telephony. It is a
very good document and fairly straightforward to read. It also
covers items that are unique to the UK. The UK test will make
reference to these items, so it is relevant even if you intend
flying in other parts of Europe. Make yourself familiar with
this document before your arrival (but you do not need to remember
every part of it!). It is our job to teach you the important
parts, so that you will be a safe and efficient pilot whenever
speaking to Air Traffic Control.
Assuming that you have a sufficient grasp of the English language
and you are familiar with CAP413, then you should have no problem
with the theory part of the course, which consists of the following:-
Day 1: Theory and Written Test
Evolution of controlled airspace and radio procedures. Definitions.
Abbreviations. Call signs. RT protocol. Types of services available.
Flight plans. Flight information service. Standard clearances,
conditional clearances. LARS and MATZ (in the UK), Transponder
usage. Emergency procedures. ATIS, Volmet. All students then
take the written examination.
Discussion of the RT Practical test followed by individual practice
using a format very similar to the one used in the actual exam.
Day 2: The Practical Test
The practical test takes about two hours, including debriefing.
Only one student can be tested at a time, so the last student
may have to be prepared to finish later in the day . You will
then be issued with a certified CAA application form for the RTF
licence, which we send to the address shown on the form. Finally,
the licence will be mailed to you by the CAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Can anyone attend the course?
A1 Well yes certainly - you don't actually need to be a pilot
or have completed any pilot training, although this obviously
helps. In such cases the THEORY will be covered in a separate
ONE day course, and you must pass the written exam before starting
or taking the practical part of the course. You may also require
additional aviation phraseology practice. Please contact us
for more details.
Q2. What if I fail the written communication examination
paper?
A2. There are three different examination papers, so if you fail
the first one, you can take another one, but we aim to avoid this
happening. If you fail that, there is still one more chance. If
that one is not successful, we have to refer you to the CAA, who
will make special arrangements for yet another test, probably
at Gatwick Airport.
Q3. Do students often fail the written test?
A3. It is quite unusual to fail the first test. It is even more
unusual to fail the second one. In our examiner’s experience,
no one has ever failed the third attempt, although it is possible
that someone, somewhere, has done so.
Q4. What if I fail the practical test?
A4. This does not happen very often, provided the student or pilot
has prepared properly, and understands the subject matter. There
are three different tests that can be used, so the answer is basically
the same as above.
Q5. What is the most common cause of failing
the practical test?
A5. Probably not following the correct procedure with regard to
the emergency situations or making proper reports. It must be
realized that in an emergency, perhaps with an aircraft descending
and on fire, there may be only one opportunity to transmit the
radio call to get help. If this is not done correctly, in the
real world, people may be at risk. In the test environment, it
just means you have to do it again!
Q6. What is the cost of the course? Any conditions?
A6. The ONE or TWO day training courses need to be booked well
in advance (See
price list), but we aim to provide a confimed
reservation for the practical or written tests within 7-10 days
of contacting us.
All books and pilot equipment available at below RRP
from quality warehouses:
or 
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.... Order through us and save.. !
Cambrian
Ground School is a member of the GTi (Aviation) Business
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