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United Kingdom · Theory exams

PPL radio training and the FRTOL

PPL radio training prepares you for the Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL), which lets you use the radio in a UK-registered aircraft. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issues it, and it’s normally held alongside a pilot licence such as the private pilot licence (PPL). To get it you pass the PPL Communications theory paper, then a practical radio test with an approved FRTOL examiner, and show English at level 4 or above.

  • 14Minimum age for the radio licence
  • Level 4Lowest English level accepted
  • 24 monthsHow long a practical test pass counts
Read the FRTOL test guidance

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

The two parts of the FRTOL test

The first part is the PPL Communications paper (subject 090), one of your 9 theory exams. You have to pass it before the practical test. A pass on the e-Exams system counts, and FRTOL examiners can also hold the paper version of the same exam.

The second part is the practical radio test. Unlike your theory papers and skill test, you book this one yourself, with an approved FRTOL examiner. The CAA’s guidance for candidates, CAP2325, explains how.

If you take Communications with your PPL exams, all of them must be passed within the same 18 months. The Communications pass then counts for 24 months after your final theory exam, and the practical test pass counts for 24 months towards the licence.

CAA: CAP2325, guidance for FRTOL practical test candidates ↗How the PPL theory exams work →

Who can give PPL radio training?

A flight instructor or ground instructor at your approved training organisation (ATO) or declared training organisation (DTO) can teach it as part of your flying course. So can an air traffic control officer (ATCO) with an on-the-job training instructor endorsement, or a flight information service officer (FISO) who can show instruction experience.

Your trainer doesn’t need an FRTOL. They do need English language proficiency at level 6 and a thorough knowledge of the FRTOL syllabus.

English language proficiency

You’re graded from 1 to 6 on the scale set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and you need at least level 4 for a licence with radio privileges. Your level has to be valid on the day the FRTOL is issued, with at least 2 weeks left when you apply. Levels 4 and 5 need retesting:

LevelRetest
Level 4Every 4 years
Level 5Every 6 years
Level 6Not needed

An FRTOL examiner with level 6 English can assess you during your practical test, but can only award level 6. For level 4 or 5, you need an assessment at an ATO or language testing body approved for it. Those are listed in the CAA’s Standards Document 31.

CAA: Language proficiency ↗CAA: Standards Document 31 ↗

Applying for the FRTOL

Apply on form SRG1105, the same online form as the PPL, and you can apply for both at once. You upload a certified copy of your passport, the FRTOL course completion certificate (CAA5003) and your English language assessment certificate.

The FRTOL is valid for life, as long as your English level stays valid. To renew an expired one, you keep your English level up to date and apply on form SRG1106. The fee for a standalone FRTOL, and the fact that it’s free with a PPL application, are on the cost page.

CAA: Flight radio telephony operator licence (FRTOL) ↗PPL and FRTOL fees →PPL flight training and the skill test →
Sources: UK Civil Aviation Authority and 4 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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