Do private pilots need license/permits to operate the radio?

In the US, it is no longer required for a pilot (student or otherwise)a to hold a FCC license to operate radio. To operate Internationally, one needs a stations license for the aircraft and a license for the pilot as well.

Added:

@Charles et al. Note I said "no longer".

From the FCC web page:

"Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR)

An RR is NOT needed to operate the following:

Ship stations operating only on VHF frequencies that do not travel to foreign ports or make international communications (unless the vessel carries more than six passengers for hire, or the ship is larger than 300 gross tons and is required by law to carry a radio station for safety purposes).

Shore radar, shore radiolocation, maritime support, marine utility, or shore radionavigation stations.

Survival craft stations or EPIRBs.

Ship radar stations, if (a) the radar frequency is determined by a nontunable, pulse type magnetron or other fixed tune device, and (b) the radar is capable of being operated exclusively by external controls.

Coast stations.

Aircraft which operate only on VHF frequencies and do not make foreign flights.

Aircraft radar sets, radio altimeters, transponders or other aircraft automatic radionavigation transmitters.

ELTs or aviation survival craft stations used solely for survival purposes (testing only).

http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/index.htm?jo...

Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit

Private pilots do not need any special license to use the radio in their aircraft, as long as they fly only within U.S. airspace. They do need a license to use the radio outside the U.S., but obtaining it is just a formality.

This implicit licensing extends only to pilots actually in the cockpit. If they want to use an aviation radio outside an aircraft, they need a license.

Anyone in the cockpit may operate the radio as long as he has permission from the pilot in command. Thus, a private pilot could ask a friend in the right seat to help with the radio, even if the friend is not a licensed pilot.

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RE:

Do private pilots need license/permits to operate the radio?

I showed my instructor my FCC comercial license and he said that was fine. What if you're starting fresh?

I'll agree with Cherokeeflyer. A radio operator's license/permit is not needed to operate an aircraft radio.

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2,000,000 hours on 17 different aircraft? "That shuttle thing"? Sure you're a commercial pilot. If you want to become a weekend occasional private pilot, here's a suggestion- quit. Go buy a radio control plane and fly it around your house. No courses required.

A Restricted RadioTelephone Permit is required by the FCC. At one time this was enforced, with some coworkers paying small fines.I haven't heard of any enforcement of this since the 1970s. I have not been notified that it is NOT required, either. Best to call the FCC and ask. This isn't a good place to find out.

I can picture some kid tying down his 150 when the black SUV pulls up and asks for his FCC permit. The kid says "Yahoo answers said I didn't need one".

in Canada, you must have a Restricted Operator Certificate-Aeronautical to use any aviation radio.

you need not carry your certificate if you are flying domestic.

on the contrary, you MUST carry your certificate with you at all times if you plan on flying to an international destination

in canada you need a restricted operator radio certificate (aeronautical) before you can fly solo. you get it by writing a really easy multiple-choice exam.