If you want to communicate with ATC and operate aircraft radios in Japan, you'll need to pass the Aeronautical Service Radio Operator Exam. The license you go for depends on the type of flying you plan to do:

• Aeronautical Service Special Radio Operator (航空特殊無線技士) — Required for non-commercial flying, such as student pilots and private pilots.

• Aeronautical Radio Operator (航空無線技士) — Required for pilots engaged in commercial operations.

What subjects are covered in the exam?

• Regulations (Radio Law) — Covers the laws and regulations around radio station operations, including the Radio Law, Aviation Law, and Telecommunications Business Law.

• Radiotelegraphy (Telecommunication Techniques) — A practical test using the phonetic alphabet, split into two parts:

  • Receiving — You'll listen to a coded message and write down what you hear. This YouTube video shows what to expect.

  • Sending — You'll read a coded English sentence aloud in front of an examiner. This YouTube video shows how it works.

How to apply for the exam

1. Check the exam dates

Head to the Japan Radio Institute website and look for either 航空特殊無線技士 or 航空無線技士, depending on the license you're going for. In the exam table, the highlighted boxes are the actual exam dates, with application periods listed beside them. PDF documents for each session are on the far right. It's important to apply early since slots go fast.

2. Apply for the exam

Apply online through the Japan Radio Institute website. Create an account or log in if you already have one, then fill out the application form.

3. Start Studying

You don't have to wait for your confirmation letter to start studying. Here's what works:

• Practice with past exams — Past exam papers are available on the Japan Radio Institute website. Search for your exam type and start working through them right away.

• Get the right textbook for your license type

  • For 航空特殊無線技士 (Aeronautical Service Special Radio Operator)やさしく学ぶ 航空特殊無線技士試験 (Yasashiku Manabu Koku Tokushu Musen Gishi Shiken)

  • For 航空無線技士 (Aeronautical Radio Operator)やさしく学ぶ 航空無線通信士試験(改訂2版) (Yasashiku Manabu Koku Musen Tsuushinshi Shiken)

• Memorize the Q&As — A lot of the exam pulls directly from the textbook questions and past papers, so this goes a long way.

• Practice your radiotelegraphy — Textbooks barely touch the practical section, so lean on the demonstration videos. Keep practicing until it feels comfortable.

4. Take the exam

Arrive early and bring all required documents. Good luck!

5. Apply for your physical license

Passing the exam doesn't automatically give you a license. You'll get a confirmation email (refer to the image below) from the Japan Radio Institute, and inside it is a link to submit a separate application for your physical license. Download the form, print it, and follow the procedures outlined by the Ministry of General Affairs.

6. Receive your license

Once your physical license arrives, you're good to go. You're now officially authorized to communicate with ATC. Happy flying! 🛩️