FCC Rules Regarding Radio Control

The following series of questions and answers about radio control operation was extracted from a government faq. The original document was found at http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/cbrc.html but has been moved or discontinued. This information does not cover the operation of radio control transmitters on amateur radio frequencies.

Can I get an R/C License?
No. The FCC ceased issuing licenses for CB and R/C in 1983 because licenses were no longer serving a useful purpose. CB Rule 3 authorizes you to operate your Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service Station, and R/C Rule 3 authorizes you to operate your Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service station, from places where the FCC regulates communications. There is no age or citizenship requirement. CB Rule 9 prohibits anyone from using a CB station, if the transmitter is not type accepted for that function. CB Rule 3 and R/C Rule 3 prohibit the following from operating a CB or R/C station: foreign governments; representatives of foreign governments, federal government agencies; or persons who have been issued a cease and desist order which is still in effect.

Where can I get a copy of the R/C Rules?
Contact the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328 (telephone 202-512-1800) for price and ordering information. The rules are published annually in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Telecommunications, Part 80 to End. While operating a CB or R/C station, you need to know the FCC's Rules for proper use. Violation of these rules can result in a fine and loss of your authority to use the CB or R/C Radio Services. Violation of the Communications Act, moreover, can result in a fine and imprisonment.

For what purposes may I use an R/C Station?
You may use your CB station for two-way, short-distance voice communications for your personal or business activities. (CB Rule 1.) You may use your R/C station for one-way, short-distance non-voice communications to operate devices by remote control. (R/C Rule 1.)

On which channel may my R/C station transmit?
Your R/C station is authorized by the rules to transmit on channels at 26.995, 27.045, 27.095, 27.145, 27.195, and 27.255 MHz to remotely control any object or apparatus except another R/C transmitter. It is also authorized fifty channels in the 72.0-73.0 MHz band to remotely control model aircraft and thirty channels in the 75.4-76.0 MHz band to remotely control model surface craft. (R/C Rule 7.)

Must I identify my R/C Station?
You are not required to identify your station.

May I use my R/C station in Canada?
Yes. When in Canada, however, you are subject to the rules of the Canadian Department of Communications, not those of the FCC.