Definition
The U.S. government agency that regulates radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable communications. In aviation, the FCC licenses aircraft radio stations and the operators who use them, and it controls the radio frequencies that aircraft and ground stations are permitted to use.
Plain English
The federal agency in charge of who can transmit on which radio frequencies in the United States, including aircraft radios.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see FCC mentioned during preflight document checks, especially when confirming whether the aircraft needs a radio station license for the planned flight.
Why Pilots Care
Aircraft radios must comply with FCC rules to ensure they transmit on authorized frequencies and avoid interference with air traffic control and other aircraft.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse the FCC with the FAA. The FAA handles aviation safety rules; the FCC handles radio communication rules and radio licensing.
Example Sentence 1
Before her first international trip, the pilot applied for an FCC aircraft radio station license.
Example Sentence 2
FCC rules determine which frequencies the aircraft may legally use for communication with air traffic control.