Radio communications help to maintain safe air space separation. As a commercial drone operator in Australia (ReOC – Remote Operator Certificate) – we need to make a radio call inside 3NM of an uncontrolled airport.
I often get asked about the height (Elevation vs Altitude – AGL vs AMSL) on the radio. Thanks, Sarah and Jack for the question on Instagram.
My answer to the previous video “Day in a Life of a Drone Pilot“.
Radio Communications for Drone Pilots
I hate talking on the radio. It always makes me nervous.
But just a little tip. If you are nervous and you don’t want to talk on the radio, write the script down. I’ve got a little template of what I say and I just read it on the radio.
So sometimes I get questions regarding why I say 700 feet, 800 feet, or 900 feet on the radio when you can legally fly to 400 feet or 120 meters.
When we’re talking on the radio to other pilots were in MSL (AMSL) mean sea level. So right now I’m at 300 feet, I’m going to add my 400 feet. Which should take it up to 700 feet. But AGL above ground, you can only go up to 400 feet or 120 meters. You can say AGL, but you’ve got to use the word AGL. 400 feet. I hope that makes sense.
You learn all that in your AROC, your aeronautical radio operator certificate. There are so many acronyms in aviation. RePL is a remote pilot licence. ReOC Remote Operator Certificate.
If you like to know more or request a video / Q&A head over to Bendigo Aerial and contact us. Has anyone had any other aircraft talk back to you? Let me know!