The radiotelephony certificate

Separate radio training is not necessarily required for an UL licence and an SPL gliding licence. The essential aspects of aeronautical radio are integrated into the training in a simplified manner. However, there is the restriction that the aircraft may not be operated at controlled aerodromes or airspaces requiring clearance (B, C and D), otherwise a radio operator's licence is still required.  

For all other licences, a dedicated radiotelephony certificate must be obtained as part of the flight training.  

​Overview

A valid aeronautical radio licence is mandatory in order to participate in aeronautical radio communications. Exceptions apply to pilots only for the UL and SPL licences mentioned above or if you are taking part in flight training. The following radiotelephony licences are relevant for flying: 

Radiotelephony licence BZF with limited validity:

A distinction is made here between BZF I and BZF II.

• The BZF I authorises radiotelephony according to visual flight rules in German and English
• The BZF II only authorises radiotelephony in German. The latter therefore does not authorise you to fly abroad
• The BZF I can be taken either directly or as an additional examination to the BZF II. You must be at least 15 years old to obtain both certificates

General radiotelephony certificate AZF:

This is required for conducting instrument flights in English (i.e. if an instrument rating is to be obtained, or as part of CPL, ATPL or MPL training). It authorises radiotelephony in German and English for both VFR and IFR flights. You must be at least 18 years old to obtain this licence. 

The AZF builds on the BZF. The latter must therefore always be completed first.

In addition to BZF I and II, as well as the AZF, there are also the BZF E and AZF E certificates. They entitle the holder to fly exclusively in English and can be obtained directly without further examination, for example, if certain US flying licences are held.  

​Education 

No explicit training is required for either the BZF or the AZF. You can therefore theoretically register directly for the exam, but this is of course not recommended. It is highly recommended that you study the relevant books that explain the theory and provide an overview of current radio phraseology. Some of the books contain many practical examples which are used to explain specific flight situations and the corresponding radio traffic. 

Secondly, you should definitely take a training course, which is offered either online or on site by various flying schools or clubs. There you can discuss theoretical aspects, but also complete practical radio exercises. Here, the flight instructor takes on the role of air traffic controller and you practise the relevant radio commands in various situations. The practical part of the radiotelephony exam is carried out in exactly the same way, so it is highly recommended that you practise this part beforehand. 

​Examination procedure

The examination must be taken at one of the six branch offices of the Federal Network Agency. You must register for the exam in writing, which the flight school will do if necessary. The examination consists of a theory test (usually in the form of multiple-choice questions) and a practical test. The possible exam questions for the theoretical part can be viewed on the website of the Federal Network Agency in order to prepare for the exam accordingly. 

The practical examination simulates radio traffic. An examiner - often a current or former air traffic controller - simulates the radio of a tower controller or ATC. The candidates receive documents on the exam situation in advance, as well as corresponding approach, route or departure charts from airports. They then have a certain amount of preparation time to study the documents. After this, each of the candidates present is assigned an aircraft identification code by the examiner (or may choose one themselves). Now you have to "radio" in turn and respond correctly to the corresponding radio messages from the examiner. 

The BZF I and II exam simulates a departure from and approach to a controlled airport according to visual flight rules. On departure, you are at the parking position at the GAT (General Aviation Terminal) and play through the entire radio traffic until the aircraft takes off and, if necessary, leaves the control zone. On approach, the radio phraseology for approach, landing and taxiing to the parking position is used accordingly. Radiotelephony procedures for emergency and urgency procedures may also be checked. 

The practical AZF test simulates an IFR flight between two commercial airports. Here, too, corresponding departure, route and approach situations are tested with regard to correct radio phraseology. As part of the simulated flight preparation, an IFR flight plan must also be submitted. This is usually paper-based and should therefore be practised in advance, as in practice the flight plan is filed electronically. 

​Completion of the audit

The respective examination board decides whether the applicant has demonstrated sufficient knowledge and skills and has therefore passed the examination, or whether it must be repeated. Registration for the repeat examination can take place within a maximum period of 3 months after the initial examination and only those parts in which corresponding deficiencies were identified need to be repeated. If you pass the exam, you will receive your radio operator's licence immediately. 

Competent authority: The Austro Control is responsible for issuing aeronautical radio licences. The following aeronautical radio licences are available in Austria:

Radiotelephony certificates

General radiotelephony licence for the mobile aeronautical radio service (AFZ)

authorises radiotelephony in English and German at aircraft radio stations, air-vehicle radio stations and ground radio stations for pilots operating under instrument flight rules (IFR).

Restricted radiotelephony licence for the mobile aeronautical radio service (EFZ)

Authorised radiotelephony in English and German at aircraft radio stations or ground radio stations for pilots operating under visual flight rules (VFR)

Restricted radiotelephone licence for the inland aeronautical radio service (BFZ)

Authorised radiotelephony for domestic aeronautical radio (i.e. only in Austria) in German at aircraft radio stations or ground radio stations for pilots operating under visual flight rules (VFR)

Training & examination procedure

Training is provided by recognised flight schools. These offer courses for theoretical and practical training, including

• Flight radio procedures according to ICAO
• Emergency and urgency procedures
• Exercises with radios

The examination consists of:

• Practical exam example in the area of radiotelephony
• Translation text for AFZ and EFZ
• Theoretical knowledge in the areas of "Legal provisions, special provisions, technical knowledge"

The exam is divided into a practical part and a multiple choice test.

In the practical part, the process of radio communication between the pilot and air traffic control is simulated using a practical example. An English text must be translated into German for the AFZ and EFZ examinations.

The examination topics of law, technology and special regulations are tested in writing with a multiple choice test.

After the examination, the result is announced and the certificate is issued.

Aeronautical radio examinations are generally held at the headquarters of the telecommunications authority in Vienna.
Additional examinations are held at the branches in the federal states.

• Vienna, Radetzkystraße 2, 1030 Vienna
• Graz, Conrad-von-Hötzendorf-Straße 86, 8010 Graz
• Innsbruck, Valiergasse 60, 6020 Innsbruck

Further information: https://www.fb.gv.at/Pruefungen/pruefungen-flug.html

Competent authority: In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) responsible for issuing aeronautical radio licences.

Radio telephony

A radiotelephony licence must be obtained in order to operate aeronautical radio. A language proficiency certificate must also be provided for a radiotelephony licence. This can be completed at the same time as the practical radiotelephony examination from 1 January 2022. 

There are two different radio telephony authorisations

• RTF VFRThe practical radiotelephony test according to visual flight rules can be taken in English, German, French or Italian.
• RTF IFR: To obtain an airline pilot licence and an instrument rating, the practical radiotelephony examination must be completed in English.

Training & examination

Preparation takes place via flight schools or flight clubs. The training is based on ICAO standards and includes

• Aircraft radio procedures in theory and practice
• Practical exercises with role plays

The examination includes:

• Written test
• Practical simulation (approach and departure radio with an examiner)

The RTA card is permanently valid if the test is successful.

From 8 April 2020, it will be possible to obtain an EASA gliding licence in Switzerland without radiotelephony rights. Glider pilots will have two options for dealing with radiotelephony from the effective date:
If a pilot wishes to fly in controlled airspace, the table test must be passed in order to obtain radiotelephony rights. The time of this test can be freely chosen after the change in practice.
If a pilot only flies in airspace in which he is not required to use air traffic services (ATS), he has the option of voluntarily waiving the table check.
The radio telephony authorisation is still required to acquire the TMG ratings.

Further information: BAZL- RTF