On this page
- DGCA pilot licence
- Needs RTR(A)
- UK CAA pilot licence
- Needs FRTOL
- Do you need both?
- No, unless converting
- Common standard
- ICAO Annex 10 Vol II
These three terms describe the same idea, permission to operate an aircraft radio , under different national systems, which is why students trip over them when reading mixed UK and Indian advice. Here is what each one means and which applies to you.
The short answer
If you are training for a DGCA licence in India, you need RTR(A). FRTOL is the equivalent privilege under the UK CAA system. You do not need FRTOL for an Indian licence, and you do not need RTR(A) for a UK licence. You only deal with both if you hold licences from both authorities or are converting between them.
Side by side
| FRTOL | Restricted RT grade | RTR(A) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence | Radiotelephony operator certificate, restricted | Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) |
| Issued by | UK CAA | National telecom or aviation authority, varies by state | DGCA, India (since Nov 2025; previously WPC) |
| Authorises | Operating aircraft radiotelephony equipment on a UK licence | Operating the radio equipment fitted to an aircraft, as opposed to a general station | Operating aircraft radiotelephony equipment on a DGCA licence |
| Tested as | Written exam + practical | Varies | Part 1 written + Part 2 practical and viva |
| Who needs it | UK PPL / CPL / ATPL holders using R/T | Varies by state | DGCA SPL / PPL / CPL / ATPL holders using R/T |
What FRTOL is
FRTOL is the UK Civil Aviation Authority's radiotelephony operator licence for pilots. A UK pilot who wants to use the radio has it endorsed alongside the flying licence. It is examined as a theory paper on radio regulations and procedures plus a practical R/T test. Because a lot of aviation training content online is written for the UK / EASA world, "FRTOL" shows up in study material that has nothing to do with the Indian system.
The "restricted" grade, and "FRTOL(R)"
"Restricted" in any of these names means the certificate covers the radio equipment fitted to an aircraft, rather than a general-purpose radio station on the ground. It is a scope label, not a lower-quality licence. You will sometimes see it written as "FRTOL(R)" or "RTR(R)" in forum posts; treat that as shorthand for the restricted aeronautical grade and check which authority's certificate the writer actually means. For the DGCA route, the correct name is simply RTR(A).
What RTR(A) is
RTR(A) is India's restricted aeronautical radiotelephony licence. Since November 2025 it is conducted by the DGCA, with the practical booked through eGCA from January 2026. It has two parts: a written paper on regulations, procedures, propagation and equipment, and a practical covering transmission technique, a simulated flight exchange and an oral viva. Full detail is in the RTR(A) exam guide.
Which one you need
- Training in India for a DGCA CPL: RTR(A). Nothing else. Your CPL will not be issued without it.
- Holding a foreign licence and converting to DGCA: you will normally have to clear RTR(A) as part of the conversion, even if you already hold FRTOL.
- Holding a DGCA licence and converting to UK CAA: expect the R/T privilege to be re-examined under the CAA system as FRTOL.
- Flying only in India on a DGCA licence: FRTOL is irrelevant to you.
If a course or book keeps saying "FRTOL", it is written for the UK system. Substitute "RTR(A)" mentally and use Indian sources for anything procedural.
FAQ
Do I need an FRTOL for a DGCA licence?
Is RTR(A) the Indian equivalent of FRTOL?
Will my RTR(A) be accepted abroad?
Does RTR(A) cover the ICAO English Language Proficiency requirement?
We build DGCA question banks and study notes and write these guides from the source documents. Corrections welcome and credited.
Sources & references
- ICAO Annex 10 Volume II, Communication Procedures
- CAR Section 7, Series X, Flight Radio Telephone Operator privileges (DGCA)
- UK CAA published guidance on the Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence
- DGCA notices on the transfer of RTR(A) from WPC (November 2025)
Radiotelephony licensing rules are set by each national authority and change. Confirm the DGCA position on egca.gov.in before you plan around it. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it.