How To: Passports & Restricted Radio Operator

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Airline pilots are required to have several things with them when on duty.  Aside from company specific items, every airline pilot is required to have:

  • Passport (Valid with at least six months before expiration)
  • Medical Certificate
  • Pilot Certificate(s)
  • Government Photo ID (Can use passport)
  • Restricted Radio Operator
Though you do not need to get a passport before starting your training, it is a good idea to.  Airlines will not accept your application or invite you for interview if you do not have a valid passport.  Please keep in mind if you do not have a US Passport, your country's passport must allow you unrestricted access to any/all countries that the airline you are apply serve.

Life Hack: Airline Pilots use a system called KCM to access the airport.  This allows us to bypass passenger security lines and use an alternate "flight crew" security line.  To access this line, you must present your company ID and valid photo ID (that meets federal ID requirements).  Instead of digging in my bag for the ID, I opted to get a passport card as well when I got my passport.  I punched a hole on this passport ID card and it is behind my company ID on my lanyard.  This prevents me from having to search for my ID in my bag every day.

Passport website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html

For the Restricted Radio Operator (RR), international law requires that airplanes and air crew hold a license to be able to operate the communication radios outside of the US.  Your airline will ensure the plane has the license, but you are required to have a personal license which is issued by the FCC.  This license is a one time fee, never expires, and you never need to renew.  Directions to complete this can be found at the following link: https://www.aviator.zone/pireps/2021/2/1/how-to-get-fcc-license

Once you apply, your RR license will come in a few days via the email you provided.  This PDF should be DOWNLOADED and printed.  The link to the PDF will expire and it is a pain in the butt to get a new link sent.  Save the file and print.  You can laminate your printout.



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