Radio station licence: issuance, content, type-approval, penalties
The aircraft radio station licence is issued by ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, formerly Industry Canada), not Transport Canada.
- Unless exempted, every radio station in Canada must be licensed by the Minister of Industry (RIC-21 App. D).
- Certain aeronautical stations exempt (RIC-21 App. D).
Authority split (MOU; TC AIM COM 1.2):
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| ISED | Primary authority for issuing licences |
| Transport Canada | Oversees licence documentation carried aboard and rules for onboard aeronautical equipment |
Licence specifies (RIC-21 App. D):
- Station call sign
- Frequencies it may transmit on
- Any special operating conditions
To get one (RIC-21 App. D):
- Completed application form with prescribed fee
- Radio equipment type-approved or technically acceptable for licensing
Penalty for operating unlicensed radio station (summary conviction; RIC-21 App. D):
| Offender | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Individual | $5,000 or 1 year imprisonment (or both) |
| Corporation | $25,000 |
Trap: ISED issues the licence, not Transport Canada.
References
- RIC-21 (ISED ROC-A study guide), Appendix D
- TC AIM COM 1.2