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Author Topic: Communication with pilots in-flight  (Read 8435 times)

Offline Chicago Joe

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Communication with pilots in-flight
« on: August 07, 2009, 08:32:30 PM »
Is it possible for a normal person on the ground to communicate with pilots in-flight in any way via radio or electronically?

As an airline employee, aviation is a huge interest of mine.  I read a story not too long ago about a guy that provided info to boaters from his home and the info was questions about anything that they could not get themselves while out at sea.  Some boaters asked for sports scores, others for weather info or whatever.  I was wondering if someone on the ground could communicate somehow with pilots in the same fashion or is that impossible?
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Offline captray

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2009, 09:22:27 PM »
Is it possible? Sure! Anyone can purchase a handheld 2 way radio with the aviation frequencies in it. The range would not be good as you wouldn't have a great antenna, but it could be done.

Is it legal? Absolutely not! You must have a radio station licence and be registered with the FCC. Besides, the airways are clogged up enough with necessary communications.

If the frequency is not busy you may be able to ask a controller to get that info for you.
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Offline pocho

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2009, 09:31:22 PM »
What about a flight instructor on the ramp who is talking to their solo student via a transceiver at an uncontrolled field? Must they hold an FCC license?
« Last Edit: August 07, 2009, 09:37:16 PM by pocho »
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Offline Chicago Joe

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2009, 09:33:48 PM »
I don't want the info.  I want to be the one answering the questions for them.  There are many frequencies that are not used at all on the airline radios with which pilots could talk on.  

What would happen if I was communicating with pilots and was caught?  Anyone going to really care?
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Offline KB6HLM

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2009, 10:01:26 PM »
I have talked with a few private/commercial pilots on the Ham Radio on SSB and FM as well

As far as it being legal is another question ? however the contact was made on Ham Radio frequency's so therefore I was in my right, I am not sure about the pilots?

I remember one time a pilot asked me if I would stand by so he could contact ATC and another when a space shuttle pilot asked my dad if he would please stand by so they could use the frequency to contact mission control !!  (yes it really did happen)

BTW all shuttle pilots are Hams :-)

Anyway please give up on your idea about talking to pilots from the ground as I think we all would agree its never a good idea !

73s
Glenn KB6HLM
Las Vegas, NV
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Offline Chicago Joe

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2009, 10:13:13 PM »
Quote from: KB6HLM on August 07, 2009, 10:01:26 PM


Anyway please give up on your idea about talking to pilots from the ground as I think we all would agree its never a good idea !

73s
Glenn KB6HLM
Las Vegas, NV



Why is it not a good idea? I think pilots would really appreciate it.
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Offline rekno13

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2009, 11:22:41 PM »
I think pilots should not be distracted to that degree on the radio when they need to be paying attention for important commands from ATC. The safety of all aboard is much more important than a score.
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Offline Chicago Joe

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2009, 11:32:12 PM »
Quote from: rekno13 on August 07, 2009, 11:22:41 PM
I think pilots should not be distracted to that degree on the radio when they need to be paying attention for important commands from ATC. The safety of all aboard is much more important than a score.

Oh come on, they are up there with the auto-pilot on reading magazines and eating.  You can't tell me they don't have a short minute to ask a question?
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Offline Greg01

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2009, 01:51:55 AM »
Joe, I'm not trying to be aggressive but your ignorance shows. Busy airspace, like Chicago, is the last place I want useless information being passed over the radio. And FYI not all airplanes have autopilots. Hand-flying in IMC with anything more than moderate turbulence takes a lot of concentration. Again, I'm not trying to be "that guy" I'm just pointing some things out for you.

Greg
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Offline PHXCONXrunner

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2009, 02:08:35 AM »
Quote from: pocho on August 07, 2009, 09:31:22 PM
What about a flight instructor on the ramp who is talking to their solo student via a transceiver at an uncontrolled field? Must they hold an FCC license?

In the US, a pilot certificate doubles as an FCC radio operator license.
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Offline Marty Becker

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2009, 11:05:52 AM »
Maybe the guy in this article started out with the same idea?  :-o  Then, he took it way too far.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-cta-radio-impostor-04aug04,0,5024720.story
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Offline KB6HLM

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Re: Communication with pilots in-flight
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2009, 06:32:48 PM »

Quote from: Chicago Joe on August 07, 2009, 08:32:30 PM
As an airline employee


Let me sum it up here real quick YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER !! or are your really who you say you are ?? if so lets just hope your boss doesn't come to liveatc and read the forums !


Sorry for shouting at you but your starting to worry a lot of people here i'm sure :-(

73s
Glenn KB6HLM
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