Listening to Air Legal or Illegal? (plus discussion)

[jwallace15]

So I'm looking at asking for this for Christmas this year. From what I've researched listening to aircraft AM frequencies is legal, but I wanted to ask here just to be safe. I've concluded it's legal to LISTEN, but not to broadcast.

Now referring to the discussion part of the title; do any of you listen to ATC radio frequencies in your spare time? I'm interested in possibly being a pilot when I get older, so I want to start listening to some radio conversations from some local airports (I'm thinking Bishop International Airport (KFNT), or Oakland County International (KPTK)).

[Zholl]

In response to the first question, it's generally legal to listen in on any open radio transmission you can pick up. The only issue you'd really have to worry about is when you try to transmit on certain frequencies. Some are completely open to the public (i.e. CB radio), some require a license (i.e. Ham radio), and some are restricted to specific groups (emergency services, ATC, etc). Granted, there are specific exceptions in emergency situations, but you shouldn't have to worry about the legality of anything that can only receive. The box you linked to should be just fine for what you want to do.

As for your other question, I don't personally listen to ATC, but I do dabble in Ham. In that same spirit, if you enjoy this project, you might consider looking into getting your Ham license and building your own transceiver as well. Radio's a great way to get your hands dirty with some analogue electronics, and you can really learn a lot that you might not see in school.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Wally,
It is legal to listen. Ramsey actually makes some great kits and they are a quality provider. Listening to ATC conversations is a great way to get comfortable with those communications and how aircraft are handled. Each airport has frequencies listed in the pilot handbooks so they know where to switch their radios when landing, taxiing and taking off. ATC are on other frequencies which are "handed off" during flight as the plane crosses the country. As Z mentioned above, ham radio is a great hobby and is easy to get into.
As a general rule, you can transmit on relatively few frequencies without a license and then mostly at low power. Any frequency that is in use for public safety is strictly verbotten to transmit if you are not licensed to operate there and you may not interfere with any licensed activity even if the emissions are unintentional (such as coming from a receiver).

[jwallace15]

Originally Posted by Zholl

As for your other question, I don't personally listen to ATC, but I do dabble in Ham. In that same spirit, if you enjoy this project, you might consider looking into getting your Ham license and building your own transceiver as well. Radio's a great way to get your hands dirty with some analogue electronics, and you can really learn a lot that you might not see in school.

I told my friend about my idea to get this reciever kit, and he recommended Ham radio as well. He listens to International Short-Band and wants to get his Ham license. From what I've heard, it's a big hobby (I think DonRotolo has his Ham radio callsign in his signature...)

Most of the things nowadays are digital, and surface-mounted to boot, so it's kinda hard to learn about those. Radios are old-school, and I'm a fan of learning about the way things used to be

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Listening to ATC conversations is a great way to get comfortable with those communications and how aircraft are handled. Each airport has frequencies listed in the pilot handbooks so they know where to switch their radios when landing, taxiing and taking off. ATC are on other frequencies which are "handed off" during flight as the plane crosses the country. As Z mentioned above, ham radio is a great hobby and is easy to get into.

[Tangent]

I know that computer games aren't reality, but from playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 10 I know about the different ATC centers, approach frequencies for big airports (such as Detroit Metro), and different frequencies for airports such as ground. It's always intrigued me, and from handling radio communications on that game I have picked up on some of the things pilots say, such as (example) "Cessna NVB is out 12,000 for 3,500" means that Cessna NVB (first 3 letters of their registration) is currently flying at an altitude of 12,000 feet and wants to descend to 3,500. And, with the ATC's permission, it is allowed to.

[/Tangent]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Any frequency that is in use for public safety is strictly verbotten to transmit if you are not licensed to operate there and you may not interfere with any licensed activity even if the emissions are unintentional (such as coming from a receiver).

How do I make sure that my reciever doesn't produce any emissions? I definitely don't want the FAA or FCC coming after me

[Al Skierkiewicz]

The receiver you linked should not produce any spurious emissions from your house to air. However, trying to use it in a plane might be another story. Often radio design and shielding corrects any issues a receiver might have. Many scratch built designs end up being better transmitters than receivers. Ramsey kits should not be a problem.

[Madison]

I listen to live air traffic control all the time. It's a great source of something akin to white noise and helps me to be productive at work.

You can stream ATC stuff over the internet, if you're interested, at http://www.liveatc.net/ .

Edited to add: A friend of mine is a helicopter flight instructor and, when she was training for her own rotorcraft license, use liveatc.net to get used to hearing and reading back instructions. She wasn't broadcasting, of course, but in busier airspace, the amount of communication that is going on and the speed at which it happens is a bit overwhelming.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by jwallace15

I told my friend about my idea to get this reciever kit, and he recommended Ham radio as well. He listens to International Short-Band and wants to get his Ham license. From what I've heard, it's a big hobby (I think DonRotolo has his Ham radio callsign in his signature...)

Indeed he does. As do many others on CD. Please let me know if I can answer any questions about Ham Radio for you.

Originally Posted by jwallace15

How do I make sure that my reciever doesn't produce any emissions? I definitely don't want the FAA or FCC coming after me

It would be a very extraordinary receiver that also 'transmits' anything that'll get you into trouble. Don't sweat it.

[Ian Curtis]

Originally Posted by jwallace15

Now referring to the discussion part of the title; do any of you listen to ATC radio frequencies in your spare time? I'm interested in possibly being a pilot when I get older, so I want to start listening to some radio conversations from some local airports (I'm thinking Bishop International Airport (KFNT), or Oakland County International (KPTK)).

Designing the airplanes is just as fun, and the pay is much better.

If you ever fly United, Channel 9 is great. It means a lot more when you are on the airplane!