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.

Above are general answers to the questions most frequently asked about the Radio Control (R/C) Radio Services. For complete information, see Part 95 Subpart D of the Commission's Rules for the Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service, and Part 95 Subpart C for the Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service, located in 47 C.F.R.