Radio - pretty much paramount to the safety of the paragliding pilot.
Industry Canada (IC) wants everyone who uses Amateur Radio to be licensed. With the exception of writing the test for the prospective licensee, IC makes it as simple as possible:
Whether used to acquire up to date landing conditions, unfolding weather further along an XC route, or relaying information in assisting a downed pilot - radio is a must.
Radio Options
There are multiple radio options available to Canadian Paragliding pilots, including:
- FRS
- GMRS
- HAM/Amateur Radio
FRS - Family Radio Service
- unlicensed.
- Ultra High Frequency (UHF).
- 0.5 watt.
- 1 mile realistic range.*
- Typically used by students/new flyers.
GMRS - General Mobile Radio Service
- unlicensed (Canada).
- Ultra High Frequency (UHF).
- 2.0 watt (Canada).
- 2 miles realistic range.*
- Recent addition to Canada, not yet commonly in use. Mistaken assumption that 5 watt US GMRS radios are approved.
HAM/Amateur Radio
- Licensed (handled by Industry Canada), no renewal requirement.
- Very High Frequency (VHF)/ High Frequency (HF) with endorsement.
- 250 watt/1000 watt (Basic/Advanced) - 5.0 watt typical for handheld.
- 5 miles realistic range with handheld.*
- Essential part of XC pilot's flying kit.
* A major limiting factor for radio range is the degree of obstruction. A radio situated on the top of a mountain will have a longer effective range than one situated within a downtown core.
Unlicensed, a pilot is limited to two watts of power to be able to call for assistance, arrange a retrieve, get LZ conditions from launch, etc. With an Amateur Radio license, this restriction is lifted.* Most paraglider pilots want (if not need) the ability to make contact across some rather large distances - the fewer restrictions, the better.
* License, power, frequency restrictions do no apply in the event of a distress call - the understanding is that the protection of life supersedes regulation.
Unlicensed, a pilot is limited to two watts of power to be able to call for assistance, arrange a retrieve, get LZ conditions from launch, etc. With an Amateur Radio license, this restriction is lifted.* Most paraglider pilots want (if not need) the ability to make contact across some rather large distances - the fewer restrictions, the better.
* License, power, frequency restrictions do no apply in the event of a distress call - the understanding is that the protection of life supersedes regulation.
An Amateur Radio License in Three Easy Study Steps.
Industry Canada (IC) wants everyone who uses Amateur Radio to be licensed. With the exception of writing the test for the prospective licensee, IC makes it as simple as possible:
- Learn Ohm's Law. Understand how it applies in series and parallel circuits.
- Learn the relation of frequency and wavelength to the speed of light.
- Download the Test Generator from IC. This is the program the examiner will use to generate your test. The Generator pulls a random selection of questions from the test bank and allows you to try your hand. Do this repeatedly for two weeks until you can recite the answer for any given question in your sleep. Then print a few sample exams off and try those (to get used to the printed form factor over the computer screen version).
These three steps are what I used to get ready for my exam, resulting in a grade of 98%. I would not be surprised if the same happens for you.
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