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 pilots and users that the 121.5 Mhz emergency radio frequency is exclusively for urgent messages concerning the protection of people or property, as its misuse is hampering emergency monitoring.
The FCC's Enforcement Bureau will intensify actions against frequency violators, who face significant penalties including fines up to $19,246 for a first offense and $144,000 for ongoing violations, equipment confiscation, and potential criminal charges.
Pilots are reminded that 122.750 Mhz is authorized for routine air-to-air communications.

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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.