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 issuing a warning about the misuse of the 121.5 Mhz aviation emergency radio frequency, which is strictly for urgent messages concerning the protection of people or property.
Non-emergency use of 121.5 Mhz is hindering the FAA's ability to monitor genuine emergency traffic.
The FCC plans to increase enforcement, with penalties for violators including substantial fines (up to $19,246 for a first offense, $144,000 for ongoing violations), equipment confiscation, and potential criminal charges.
Pilots are advised to use 122.750 Mhz for authorized air-to-air communications that are not emergencies.

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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.