General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG)

The Role of the General Radiotelephone Operator License in Aviation and Maritime Communications

What is the General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG)? 

The General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG) is required for individuals who are responsible for adjusting, maintaining, or internally repairing FCC-licensed radiotelephone transmitters. This license is essential for those working in aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services.

In addition to authorizing the operation of radiotelephones, the PG license conveys all the operating authority of the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP), allowing operators to work with the same types of equipment in a variety of settings.

A PG license is specifically required for the operation of:

• Any compulsorily equipped ship radiotelephone station operating with more than 1,500 watts of peak envelope power
• Voluntarily equipped ship and aeronautical (including aircraft) stations with more than 1,000 watts of peak envelope power

This license is crucial for individuals who manage powerful radiotelephone equipment in both maritime and aviation industries, ensuring compliance with FCC regulations for operating high-power communication systems.

What does GROL stand for?

GROL stands for General Radiotelephone Operator License, and the PG is the operator class code abbreviation used by the FCC for this permit. The PG code is used to refer to the General Radiotelephone Operator License in the FCC's official documentation. 

Which element exams must I pass for the General Radiotelephone Operator License?  

To obtain the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL), you must pass Element 1 and 3, which are the written exams that cover the requirements for the license.

In addition to the passing of the correct element exams, you must...

• Be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States 
• Be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English