Plain English Meaning

An FCC-issued permit that lets a person legally use an aircraft radio when the rules require an operator license, mainly for flights outside the United States.

Full Definition

A lifetime authorization issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that allows the holder to operate certain radio transmitters, including aircraft radios, on international flights or aboard aircraft equipped with radios that fall under FCC licensing requirements. It is issued to an individual operator, not to the aircraft, and does not require an examination.

Context Anchor

Seen in radio license guidance when a pilot is preparing for flight outside the United States or checking required aircraft and pilot documents.

Derivation

‘Restricted’ here means limited in scope — the permit only allows operation of certain types of stations, not all of them. ‘Radiotelephone’ means voice radio communication (as opposed to telegraph or ). The full phrase signals a limited-purpose voice-radio operator permit.