Definition
A regulation issued by the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. government agency that governs all civilian radio communications. For pilots, FCC rules cover matters such as the licensing of aircraft radio stations, the licensing of radio operators for international flights, the proper use of radio frequencies, and the operation of emergency locator transmitters (ELTs). FCC rules sit alongside FAA regulations: the FAA governs how aircraft are flown, while the FCC governs how radio equipment in those aircraft is licensed and used.
Plain English
A rule from the U.S. agency in charge of radio communications. These rules tell you when you need a radio license for your aircraft or yourself, and how to use aircraft radios properly.
Context Anchor
Seen during the aircraft document check before flight, especially when reviewing required onboard documents for flights outside the United States.
Derivation
"Federal" means belonging to the national government. "Communications" means the sending and receiving of messages. "Commission" means a group given official authority to regulate something. So the name describes exactly what it is: a national body that regulates communications, including radio.
Why Pilots Care
Operating radios that do not comply with FCC rules is illegal and can cause interference, failed communications, or enforcement action against the pilot or aircraft owner.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the FAA controls every aviation document. The FAA controls many flight rules, but the FCC controls radio communication rules.
Example Sentence 1
Before her first international flight, she applied for an aircraft radio station license to comply with FCC rules.
Example Sentence 2
The avionics shop updated the VHF radio to meet the latest FCC rule on frequency stability before returning the aircraft to service.