Is a Ham Radio License Needed When Flying FPV?

The quick answer to this question is, yes, you are most likely operating with equipment that requires a ham license to use. Anything that broadcasts a radio signal in the United States must follow the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). According to the FCC there are basically two ways to operate equipment such as our FPV video transmitters (VTX) within the RF spectrum allocated for such use.

The first way is to use equipment that is certified by the FCC under part 15 which means the company who created it has submitted it to the FCC for approval and the FCC agrees that the equipment meets all the standards, transmits at appropriate power levels, does not cause interference, and so on. This is how we are able to operate our radio control transmitters, cell phones and home WiFi routers in the 2.4ghz and 5.8ghz range without a license.

The second way to comply with the FCC rules is to have an amateur radio operators license. In that case you have proven that you understand the FCC rules, you know how to operate radio broadcasting equipment, and you can be trusted to operate hardware that has the potential to cause interference to others. This license then gives you permission to use these devices within appropriate power levels on frequencies within the US amateur allocations. For example, in what is commonly referred to as the 5.8ghz range that a typical FPV VTX operates, a technicians level ham license allows you to use the frequencies from 5650mhz to 5925mhz. Also be aware that many video transmitters will allow you to use frequencies outside that range. Take a look at this chart for a visual representation of the various FPV VTX bands, frequencies, and how they fall in the amateur range.

Except in a few cases, none of the modern FPV video transmitters has an FCC part 15 certificate. Therefore the person operating the equipment must have a Technicians level ham license in order to operate it. This is why you see a warning on all the major FPV stores in the US when you try to purchase a VTX from their website. They are letting you know that it is YOUR responsibility to follow the regulations and know how to use this equipment properly.

The one big exception to this is the DJI FPV system. The DJI FPV air unit and goggles are part 15 certified for use on SOME channels. When used on channels 3,4,5, and 8 in 25mbps mode ( and not hacked to go above the default 700mw and using the stock antennas) the DJI FPV system IS part 15 certified. However if you use channel 1, 2, 6, 7, or have increased the power output, or have changed the antennas from the factory ones, you are no longer using the device as certified and you would be required to have a ham license to operate it.

How Do You Get a Ham License?

To get a ham license you need to pass a test. Tests are administered by amateur radio clubs scattered all across the country and there is likely one close to where you live. In some cases your local club may offer training classes. You can also train yourself using websites like hamstudy.org or hamexam.org. Once you are ready for the test, find out when there is one being offered near where you live and take it. While a technicians level license is all that is required to operate a VTX, there are additional levels of license that you can get and the knowledge you gain attaining those licenses can be very valuable.