FCC Warns Pilots Not to Mess Around on 121.5 MHz

Rob Mark

Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 07:19 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Communication is key in aviation training. [Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FCC and FAA are warning against the misuse of the 121.5 Mhz emergency radio frequency, which is strictly for urgent messages concerning the protection of people or property, as non-emergency use is hampering emergency monitoring.
The FCC plans to step up enforcement, with penalties for frequency violators including fines of up to $19,246 for a first offense, potential ongoing fines up to $144,000, confiscation of radio equipment, and possible criminal charges.
Pilots are reminded that 122.750 Mhz is authorized for air-to-air communications, providing an alternative to the restricted emergency frequency.

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The Federal Communications Commission is diligently working with the FAA to send a simple message to pilots and other users of the aviation emergency radio frequency. The FCC warns that 121.5 Mhz is for urgent messages that involve protection of people or property or both, and nothing else.