Radio Telephony Regulations and Licensing (RTR Rules, 2025)
The RTR Rules, 2025 govern who may operate aeronautical radio telephony in India, how the licence is obtained and what conditions attach to it. Part 1 is the written examination; Part 2 is the practical or oral test. The licence itself is issued by the WPC wing of the Ministry of Communications, not by DGCA, although DGCA requires it for flight crew.
Core rules
- Transmit only under a valid RTR(A) licence, or under direct supervision where the rules permit training.
- Operate only on frequencies and equipment authorised for the station; keep transmissions brief and necessary.
- Preserve the secrecy of messages; do not intercept or disclose communications not intended for you.
- Give distress and urgency traffic absolute priority; keep a station log where required.
- Carry or produce the licence on demand; renew before expiry and observe any conditions on the licence.
- Unauthorised transmission, interference or breach of conditions can lead to suspension, cancellation or penalty under the rules.
Worked example
A trainee keys the mic and transmits a taxi request while the licensed pilot is out of the cockpit. Analysis: the transmission is unauthorised because the licence holder is not controlling it; the station licensee is responsible for all transmissions. The correct action is to wait for the licence holder and, if a mistake occurs, report it rather than conceal it.
Traps
Assuming DGCA issues the RTR licence; confusing Part 1 with Part 2; treating the licence as optional for private flying; ignoring secrecy; and using an expired licence because “the renewal is pending.”